Electrode comprises a current collector and a sintered mixt. of a metallic powder and polyethylene or EVA copolymer contg. an insoluble ferri- or ferro-cyanide cpd. as active electrode material, the mixt. being porous and permeable to electrolyte.    The sintered mixt. additionally comprises a plastics filler powder esp. PTFE; reinforcing fibres esp. of polypropylene or glass; and a cpd. modifying the conductivity or the overpotential of the electrode esp. mercury oxide or a transition element. The cpd. is esp. zinc ferrocyanide. The plastics materials are used to ensure porosity and strength and to sinter the electrode ingredients and the active material together.    The electrode is useful for electrochemical cells, current generating cells and rechargeable accumulators. It is lightweight and can be mfd. by a simple and effective process. The disclosure is partic. applicable to Ni-Cd, Ag-Cd, Ag-Zn, Ni-Fe, Ni-Zn, Metal-Air, fuel or solar cells.
A non-aq. cell comprises: (a) metal anode of Li, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al or alloys; (b) cathode of conductive agent, binder and heat treated MnO2 of water content less than 1, esp. less than 0.2wt.%; and (c) liquid organic electrolyte of Li trifluoromethane sulphonate dissolved in propylene carbonate (I) and dimethoxyethane (II) in a vol. ratio (I):(II) of 80:20 to 20:80, esp. 50:50.    Pref. the concn. of the Li trifluoromethane sulphonate in the liq. electrolyte varies from 0.5 molar up to saturation point, esp. 1 molar. The conductive agent is C or graphite and the binder is PTFE or ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The anode is of Li.    High energy density miniature button cells may be formed and they operate over a wide range of temps.
Appts. for wrapping rectangular storage battery plates has plate receiving fixtures which are indexed through work stations. Swatches of two wrapping materials are placed on a fixture. A battery plate is placed on a fixture, its leading bottom edge engaging the centre of a material swatch in the process, so that it folds about the plate, followed by a boot which retains the material. Next, the swatches already on the fixture are wrapped around the plate and sealed, the plate being tamped into the fixture so that the swatches conform to its side edges. The outer swatch is then bonded to the boot to form an outer envelope which holds the other swatches in place, outer swatch and boot pref. being heat fusible thermoplastics and selectively heated by the fixtures.    Appts. further includes fixture temp. controlling and monitoring means and means for removing the fully wrapped plates.    The battery plates are the sort used in lead acid storage batteries, partic. large industrial batteries and comprise grids filled with a fragile paste of lead oxide and sulphuric acid which must be wrapPed for insulative and protective purposes. Appts. provides completely automated means of wrapping the plates quickly, i.e., one every 6-8 secs., thereby eliminating the need for and the cost of manual labour.
Pellets were made by pressing mixts. of zinc powder, mercuric oxide and carboxymethyl cellulose in a mould. The resulting pellets were strong and handleable. Miniature alkaline cells (Ag2O/Zn) were made using these pellets as anodes. The cells were made by preparing the cathode half cells in the normal manner, adding all the electrolyte to the cathode half cell, placing the zinc pellet on this assembly, immediately putting the anode cup in position and closing the cell in the normal manner.    The cells made by this procedure showed improved impedance and -10 deg.C performance when compared to batteries made using gels as anodes.    The use of dry unamalgamated zinc pellets rather than anode gels in miniature alkaline cells has several advantages including ease of processing; simplified assembly; no risk of sealing edge contamination; and fine control of both the amount of zinc and the amount of mercury.
Ionic cpds. is of formula    (CnX2n+1Y2N(-), M(+)    (where X is halogen, pref. F, n is 1-4; Y is Co or SO2 and M is an alkali metal).    Also claimed is an ionically, pref. cationically, conductive material, comprising a solid soln. of one or more of the above cpd. dissolved in a macromolecular material comprising a polymer the monomer units of which contain at least one heteroatom, pref. O or N, which can form donor-acceptor type bonds with the cation of the ionic cpd.    Electrochemical generators are claimed in which the electrolyte comprises the above ionically conductive material while the negative electrode comprises a material which supplies the alkali-metal ion corresponding to the selected ionic cpd. and the positive electrode incorporates the atoms of that metal. The ionic cpds. have satisfactory solubility in polyoxypropylene or polyoxyethylene.    Specifically (I) include alkali metal bis(trifluoro(m)ethyl sulphonyl)imide.
Battery separators for lead-acid cells, which prevent dislodgement of paste from grid whilst allowing diffusion of acid electrolyte soln., consist of flexible, fibrous polyolefin substrates comprising entangled microfibres surface coated with wetting compsns. (I), which are homogeneous mixts. of epoxy emulsions (II) and reactive curing agents (III). Compsns. (I) when immersed in the electrolyte react to form polymeric salts which are disposed over the microfibre surface, raising critical surface tension and thus enhancing rapid wetting of fibres; wetting is permanent while separators are immersed in the electrolyte.    The slim separators allow max. plate packing. They are wettable with low electrical resistance, good particle retention and high puncture resistance.
Positive active material for Pb storage batteries is prepd. by mixing glycerine and PTFE additives with active material normally consisting of PbO and PbOx; where x is between 1 and 2; with some powder comprising not more than 30-35% Pb in optional rate, and some water.    The additives are pref. added as an aq. soln. contg. 25-125g glycerine, 150-500 cc water and 0.05-10g PTFE per kg active material, esp. with 200-600 cc soln. added per kg active material. Pref. the oxidised Pb powders and additives are mixed for 2-8 (esp. 4-5) hr. in an intensive mixer, esp. a double Z-arm blender, esp. at 45-60 deg.C. The additive is pref. added to the powders as a continuous slow stream over the first 1/5-1/4 mixing time.    The additives provide a mixt. suitable for tubular electrodes and suitable for wet filling for safety. The soln. maintains its viscosity for a long time - several weeks - without fractionation, and water absorbing capacity hence porosity of finished electrode can be changed over a wide range. Properties of electrodes contg. the additives are as good as or better than those without, e.g. capacity at C5 up to 163.9% and at 0.2 C5 up to 144.98%, taking electrode without additive as 100%.
Ionic cpd. is of formula (AlO4(SiR3)4)-M+ (I) where the R gps. are aprotic hydrocarbon gps. (i.e. proton non-donors) and M is an alkali metal. Also claimed is an ion (pref. cation) conductive material (II) comprising a solid soln. of cpd(s) (I) dissolved in a macromolecular material comprising a polymer contg. monomeric units having at least one hetero-atom, pref. O or N, which can form donor-acceptor type bonds with the cation of (I).    Electrochemical generators are also claimed in which (II) comprises the electrolyte, the negative electrode comprising a metal supplying the alkali ion corresponding to that of (I), while the positive electrode can incorporate the atoms of that metal. The anion of (I) in soln. is inert towards most electrode materials that can be used.
Electrochemical device comprises a cell (5) contg. an electrolyte (4) in suspension in a solvent and at least 2 electrodes in contact with (4). The first electrode comprises a polymer film (2) on a support, the film being obtd. by electrochemical polymerisation of a monomer M and the polymer being of formula (M+X-y)n where X- is an anion provided by the electrolyte used during the polymsn., y is the anion proportion relative to one monomer mole and n is the degree of polymsn.    Improvement is that the monomer is:- (1) a heterocycle of formula (I) (where X= NH, S or O and R1 and R2 are alkyl, alkoxy, OH, aryl (opt. substd.), halogen, trihalogenomethyl, CN, amino or dialkylamino), or (2) an indole of formula (II) where R3 to R6 are as defined for R1 and R2.    Electrochemical display devices using the above device are claimed. The device is also used for storing energy and batteries.
Method of making a chalcogenide cathode comprises: (a) forming a mixt. contg. at least one intercalatable layered transition metal chalcogenide cathode active material, a conductivity enhancing agent and a binding agent; (b) forming a slurry contg. the mixt. and a vehicle for the slurry; (c) treating a high porosity current collector substrate by applying an adhesion promoting agent on the surface and drying; (d) applying the slurry onto the treated surface; (e) heating the substrate in an inert atmosphere to drive off the vehicle and coalesce the binder.    The cathode can be formed with high porosity, to allow extensive electrolyte solvent communication throughout the cathode. This also increases effective surface area greatly improving cell current density.
The paper for the separators of alkaline accumulators eliminates the drawbacks of large pore diameter, the use of an alcoholic polyamide soln. as a binder and the deposition of magnesium oxide in separators containing asbestos. The basic component of the paper (88-90% by weight) is polycaprolactam fibre, with 8-10% of cotton fibre and alkali-resistant synthetic rubber to about 20-50% of dry fibre weight. Bul. 8/12.2.69
The prodn. is claimed of tubular plastic resin separators for insulating cathodes from anodes in alkaline electric cells. A polypropylene non-woven cloth tape is wound into a plastic tube and thermally welded to it. The entire assembly is then impregnated with an electrolytic soln. (J53090071-A)
A battery has a positive electrode including active material and a negative electrode including Zn material with Cd particulate material dispersed in it. The amts. of positive material and Zn are such that the positive active material is electrochemically depleted before the Zn is depleted during discharge, so the Cd material is electrochemically inactive w.r.t. the positive active material during discharge. The negative electrode includes (a) an electrically conductive support; (b) a layer of Cd particulate material and binder on the support; and (c) a layer of Zn material, Cd particulate material and binder on the first layer. The binder is pref. PTFE. The positive electrode may contain Ag or Ni material, or may be an O2 electrode.    The battery is a secondary battery and may be subjected to repeated deep discharge-recharge cycles, e.g. yielding rated 40A-hr through each of 300 cycles.
Microporous plastic plates are conventionally based on thermoplastic polymers with water soluble bleaching salts and surface-active substances. Now the plates are heated to a sufficient temp. to remove the solvents and prevent hermetical sealing of the pores by salts. The prods. are used as separators in electrical accumulators.    In an example, 100 pts. wt. PVC, 700 pts. wt. pore-forming material (dispersed NaCl, dia. 20-70 microns), 230 pts. wt. dimethylcyclohexane and 850 pts. wt. polypropylene vacate are mixed in the conventional manner. Sample A is heated to 200 deg.C and sample B to 200 deg.C. Although B has a smaller pore size it is found to be 10 times more permeable to water vapour than A. Bul. 35/15.11.68.
(JP92016902-B)      Producing separator comprises forming a sheet into a tube and heating the tube to close the openings; the sheet made of cellulose fibres and thermoplastic synthetic fibres mixed at a ratio of 5:95 - 30:70.    USE -   For making tubular alkaline cells. (J58178954-A)
A wet accumulator with a manifold system (13) for successive topping-up of the individual cells with electrolyte has an opening in each cell fitted with a plug (5) which defines a manifold inlet (14) having an opening (23) opposed by a needle valve (26) on a flat (21) for which the plug body provides vertical guides (18). The plug also provides a two stage vent chamber plus a direct entry passage closed off by a pivotted cap (38), to allow direct sampling of the electrolyte, e.g. to check its density.
Solid metal sulphide cathodes for non-aq. cell systems are of formula MaM'bSc; where M= monovalent or divalent Co, Ni, Fe, Sn, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cd, Hg, Cu, Ag; M'= trivalent As, Sb, Bi; but when MM' is a binary metal combination with M= Sb, M is not Pb or Sn; or with M'= Bi, M is not Fe, Sn or Pb; S= sulphur; a, b and c are integers greater than or = 1; when M is monovalent c= (a+3b)/2; and when M is divalent, c= (2a+3b)/2. Pref. cpds. are CoBi2S4, Co2Bi2S5, AgBiS2 and FeSb2S4.    The cathode may also include a conductive agent and/or binder, esp. contg. at least one of graphite, C, metal powder, PTFE, polyethylene, polysulphones, polypropylene, polyamides. A non-aq. cell comprises an active anode, an organic electrolyte soln. and cathode material as above.    The cells may be flat type cells for use in battery powered devices, e.g. computerised games.
Compsn. comprises in wt.%: (a) 0.45-5.5 organic water soluble binder with a viscosity less than 10,000 poises at 20 deg. C and decomposing at 1-0-500 deg. C (pref. pref. PVA, (b) 1.5-4 starch decomposing at 250-535 deg. C pref. cornstarch, the decompsn. temp. of the binder and starch being at least 50 deg. C apart; (c) 1.5-3.5 cellulose; (d) 0.5-2 dispersant pref. NH3 neutralised condensed naphthalene sulphonic acid; (e) 7-11 water; (f) 75-89 refractory (calcia stabilised ZrO2).    Used for forming a fired ceramic tube sealed with a ceramic plug of one end for fuel cells. Strong, high electrical resistance tubes which do not cure during firing are obtd.
Redox electrochemical cell incorporates chemically inert electrodes, an aqs. acidic electrolyte and a separator membrane between the electrodes formed from a polyolefin or fluorinated polyolefin film grafted with a vinyl substd. monomer using gamma coradiation.    Pref. polyolefin is high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene or a perfluorinated or partially fluorinated polyolefin. The graft monomer is 2- or 4-vinyl pyridine, 2- or 4-vinylbenzyl chloride or acrylic or methacrylic acid, e.g. poly-propylene, high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene are grafted with 10-100 wt.%, 29.1-46% and 28.114% 4-vinyl pyridine.    The members gives a higher coulombic efficiency than known micro-porous separators and allows easier control of hydraulic flow through a battery of stacked cells.
Sealed galvanic cell, partic. a long-life button cell having an overall height no more than 0.5 inches, comprises an open-ended container (5) having an integral base and sidewall in electrical contact with a cathode material (3) which is separated from an anode material (2) by an electrolyte-impregnated separator material (4). The cell is completed by a cover assembly made of inner and outer electrically conductive materials (7,8) the inner layer (7) having a thickness 2 to 12 times greater than that of the outer in the range 0.006 to 0.012 inches compared with 0.001 to 0.003 inches.    The cover is in electrical contact with the anode material (2) and a sealing gasket (6) disposed in a state of compression around the upper part of the internal wall of the container. The peripheries of the cover layer (7,8) are separated by an annular insert (9) pref. of nylon, polypropylene HDPE, PTFE, fatty polyamide asphalt, and/or epoxy like and are encapsulated by the gasket (6), the insert (9) serving to increase the distance electrolyte must travel in order to escape. The cover materials are metals chosen from nickel, copper, tin, steel, their alloys, and plated combinations.    The cells are partic. long-life alkaline cells containing very corrosive alkaline electrolytes which tend to creep through sealed metal interfaces. The cell is designed to provide as tortuous a path as possible to hinder the escape of the electrolyte.
Alkaline battery uses as separator a graft membrane obtd. by graft copolymerisation of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid to a synthetic resin film. Metals in the graft membrane are treated with an acid (e.g. hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, oxalic acid, phenol, benzoic acid, etc., which is generally used as an aq. soln. of concn. of 10 wt.% or below) to remove metals, and the treated membrane is used as separator.    Pref. the membrane treated with an acid is further treated with KOH or NaOH. The alkali battery employs pref. as the separators at least one graft membrane treated with acid and at least one graft membrane treated with acid and then with alkali.    The separator has improved durability, and therefore the alkali battery has a long life.
Mfr. of a solid non-consumable current collector consists of carbon on a metal, for use in an electrochemical cell comprising oxidisable anode and liquid cathode as well as the current collector, is described.    The method comprises (a) wetting the carbon with a soln. of a salt of the metal, and pref. also adding PTFE as a binder, (b) removing the solvent leaving a solid compsn. of C and metal salt; (c) exposing the compsn. to a reducing atmosphere to reduce the metal ions from the metal salt to the element.    The method of mfr. is amenable to automation techniques. The current collector is used esp. with a cell using an Li anode.
A solid state electrochemical cell comprises an anode with at least one alkali metal as active material, a cathode and an electrolyte (I). (I) comprises an anion (II) which is part of the chain of a polymer and is at least partly immobilised and a cation comprising at least one electrolytically active alkali metal ion (III).    Pref. (III) is Li. (II) is part of the chain of poly(methacryloyl-oxy-benzoate) or poly(2(4-carboxyhexafluorobutanoyl-oxy) ethyl methacrylate). (I) pref. is blended with poly(ethylene oxide).    The immobilised anion stops the formation of undesirable discharge prods. at the electrode and compositional changes in the polymer (e.g.) membrane formation.
Fuel element for a liq. fuel cell has the fuel chemically or physically treated so it assumes a non-fluidised state, and can be returned to the intial liq. fuel at any time by physical or chemical means. The liq. fuel is pref. adsorbed by an adsorbing agent or chemically reacted with another substance to form solid salts or polymers. The fuel element is pref. contained in a cartridge, esp. wrapped in a fibrous substrate and contained in a cartridqe.    A liq. fuel cell contains an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte between them, and has a detachable cartridge contg. a fuel element as above attached to the cell via a check valve preventing electrolyte flowing back into the fuel cartridge.    The fuel cell can be used by ordinary people, as there is no risk of fuel leakage. The cartridge is supplied with fuel in solidified form, and is activated after attachment by adding water and/or heat to render the fuel liq. and activated the cell. The graph shows operation of such a cell, at 40mA/cm2, using an air blower to supply air oxidant, with the fuel element renewed at A and B.
H2 and O2, which are released in elastic electric accumulators with aq. esp. alkaline electrolyte, are recombined on a hydrophobic catalytic carrier layer. This layer is flooded by electrolyte at least during the recombination phase and the gas mixture is passed for recombination through this carrier layer which has a fibrous structure.    The carrier for the catalyst layer is a (co)polymer of PTFE, polyethylene, polypropylene in Ni coated fibres, or Ni powder, to give a bubble point of 0.01-0.06 bar.    This removes the risk of catalyst overheating and ensures a high recombination efficiency.
Two continuous, ionically permeable membranes of thermoplastic olefins, (0.5-30)X 10 power -3 inches thick, are juxtaposed and passed continuously through an ultrasonic welding station to receive a series of equally spaced, longitudinal, welded seams which are simultaneously bisected to produce tubes of material for manufacturing tubular separators. Pref., cooling plates are provided to cool the membranes to at least 10 to -30 deg.C prior to welding.    Welding and cutting is achieved by passing the membranes between an ultrasonic welding horn (12) having an elongate tip (13) spanning their width and a series of separate, disc-shaped anvils (20) having convex tips (21). Each anvil is fixed in a U-shaped jaw (30) on a pivotted arm (31). A helical spring (37) fitted at the other end of the arm biases the anvil towards the horn but movement is limited by an adjustable stop screw (38). By correct adjustment of stop and spring, a neat seam is produced which is simultaneously cut by the tip of the anvil.    The appts. is used to produce thermoplastic tubular separators for use in electrochemical cells to prevent dendrite growth between the two electrodes. The separators must have low electrolytic resistance, high oxidn. resistance, and reasonable mechanical strength. The appts. produces tubes of increased efficiency by forming improved seals automatically and continuously. The amt. of additional material required to form the seals is minimal thus increasing the effective ionically permeable area and eliminating material wastage.
Solid state electrochemical cell comprises an anode having lithium as its active material, a cathode and an electrolyte comprising a complex of a polyether with lithium. The polyether is atactic having a glass transition temp. of less than 0 deg.C and is capable of forming a complex with lithium ions but not with sodium ions.    The polyether is pref. polyvinyl methyl ether. It is pref. blended with another polymer esp. polyethylene oxide (I), for improving the mechanical properties of the polyether.    The electrolyte (II) pref. comprises a complex of polyvinyl methyl ether with LiClO4 blended with a complex of polyethylene oxide with LiClO4. The electrolytes have a higher ionic conductivities.
F-contg. ion exchange resin prepd. by copolymerising a F-contg. vinyl monomer and fluorovinyl monomer contg. ion exchange group (e.g. carboxylic-, sulphonic- or phosphoric acid gp. or phenolic OH gp) and having ion exchange capacity of 0.5-40 meq. per g of the dry resin (100 pts.wt.) is mixed uniformly with 0.5-50 pts.wt. of inorganic fine powder having a size of 0.1-100 microns and the mixt. is formed into film.    The inclusion of inorganic fine powder reduces the cell voltage of electrolytic cell, enhances the hydrophilic activity of membrane and improves markedly the mechanical strength of membrane.
A leakproof battery comprises an anode, a cathode and a cylindrical casing closed at its lower end and open at the top. Near its upper rim the casing is necked inwards. The battery is sealed at the top by pushing a leakproof closure into the casing and crimping its rim over the outer portion of the upper surface of the closure.    Used esp. in prim. alkaline batteries. The batteries can be assembled more accurately, their internal volume can be greater, and they retain their leakproof seal during storage or use at extremes of temp..
An improved electrode has an electrode coating consisting of a copolymer of diacetone acrylamide CH2:CH-CO-NH-C(CH3)2-CH2-CO-CH3 (I) and a polymerisable monomer (II); and a finely divided active electrode material (III). (II) is e.g. acrylic acid, 2-acylamide-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid, styrene, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, maleic anhydride, vinyl stearate, ethyl vinyl ether, N-vinylpyrrolidone, vinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile, methyl vinyl ketone, methacrylic acid, acrylamide or butadiene.    Parent specification US4298667 (87175 D/47) relates to battery separators for use in zinc battery cells and comprising a separator coating of a copolymer of (I) and (meth)acrylic acid, esp. in a wt. ratio of 1/0.4. The electrodes are made e.g. of finely divided Zn or Cd and 1-5 wt.% of a coating comprising 0.5-5 wt.% of the copolymer. The electrodes have good stability to KOH, low electrical resistance, efficiency at minimal concns., effective bonding and mechanical stability, agglomeration and shape change retardation, dendritic growth retardation and resistance to change of growth morphology.
An electrochemical cell using a fuel gas contg. 10-30% CO has a pair of electrodes sepd. by electrolyte, where at least one electrode consists of a (partially) graphitised C support having on its surface an electrocatalytic material of Pt-Pd alloy and hydrophobic binder. The alloy pref. comprises 20-65 wt.% Pd. The metal loading in the electrode is pref. 0.1-0.5 mg/sq.cm, and total metal loading on the support is pref. 1-15, esp. 2-10 wt.% electrocatalyst. The hydrophobic polymer is pref. PTFE, and is pref. present as 25-60, esp. 40 wt.%. The metal to polymer ratio of electrocatalytic material on the electrode is pref. 0.1-10 wt.%.    The electrodes are useful for fuel cells using impure H2 fuel, and are resistant to CO poisoning and resistant to the highly corrosive environment. Performance is better than for Pt alone, and cost is lower.
The unit comprises a carriage with a gate-valve and a bunker connected by a loading shaft to a plasticiser, punch with pressure stop, parallel to the gate valve and connected to a pressure compensator on the base plate, and a lever acting with the gate valve.    For more precise dosing of material, the lever is a second-order lever. It is sprung relative to the base plate, on which its pivot support is mounted. It is between the base plate and the punch pressure stop. The cross-sectional area of the punch is greater than that of the gate-valve, which is sprung to a carriage.    This is a simple design, easily installed in chemical battery production lines. It saves labour, materials, power and shop floor space. Quality control of the sealing units is automated. Bul.46/15.12.82.
Solid electrolyte cell has (i) an anodic active material layer including a charge transfer complex contg. iodine as an electron acceptor; (ii) a cathodic active material layer comprising a light metal and which is formed in contact with the anodic active material layer; (iii) a solid electrolyte layer formed in situ at an interface between the anodic and cathodic active material layers by reaction between the iodine in the charge transfer complex and the light metal.    The charge transfer complex contains as electron donor a cpd. chosen from naphthalene and tetracene derivs. of formula (I) and (II) in which X is S, Se or Te; and the anodic active material layer contains a polymeric cpd. (III) in which the charge transfer complex is dispersed.    (III) is pref. chosen from polyvinylidene fluorides, copolymers of vinylidene fluoride with one of ethylene trifluoride and ethylene tetrafluoride; polyacrylonitriles; polyvinyl naphthalenes; polyvinyl anthracenes; and mixts. of these. Pref. the anodic active material layer contains 5-30 wt.% of the (III) based on wt. of charge transfer complex. The light metal is e.g. Li, K, Be, Mg or Ca. The cell pref. also comprises a case holding the anodic active material and serving as anodic collector; and a lid in contact with the cathodic active material, insulated from the case, and serving as cathodic collector.    The cells have a high discharge efficiency, long service life and high mfg. yield.
A fuel cell comprises (a) an electrolyte ion exchange membrane; (b) an oxidiser electrode fixed to, pref. supported by, one side of the membrane, comprising a mixt. of noble metal particles and water repellant particles; (c) a hydrophilic fuel electrode fixed to, pref. supported by, the opposite side of the membrane; (d) an oxidiser supply to the oxidiser electrode; and (e) a methanol supply to the fuel electrode.    The oxidiser electrode pref. comprises gp. VIII metal particles. esp. Pt, Ru, Pd and/or Rh, esp. having a coating wt. 1-6 mg/cm2 and particle size 6-8nm. The water repellant particles are pref. PTFE, styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, polyethylene or fluorocarbon, esp. 0.1-1 micron particle size. The fuel electrode pref. comprises only gp. VIII noble metal particles, esp. coating wt. 1-6 mg/cm2. The noble metal particles are esp. Pt-Ru mixt.    A fuel cell with an integral water repellant oxidiser electrode and integral fuel electrode has improved performance, e.g. OCV 0.83V, cell voltage at 5mA/cm2 = 0.22V, compared with OCV 0.75V, cell voltage at 5mA/cm2 0.14V for cell with separately supported electrodes. Assembly time is reduced to about 1/5 that for separate electrodes.
Solid polymeric electrolyte (I) comprises at least in part a solid soln. of 1 or more ionic cpds. (II) including at least one cation and one anion, the anionic cpds. being dissolved within a plastic macromolecular material (II) formed at least in part by one or more (co)polymers of monomer(s) incl. a heteroatom capable of forming donor-acceptor type bonds with the cation of the ionic cpd., where (II) are closoboranes of formula M2BnXaYb in which n is 8,10 or 12; M is alkali metal or ammonium ion; X and Y are each H, halo, CN, or hydrocarbyl; a and b are integers, where a+b=n.    Electrochemical generator for electric current, which comprises (I) associated with at least 1 negative electrode (III) and at least 1 positive electrode (IV) sepd. from each other by (i), the (II) comprising an electrode material forming a source of species having a higher chemical potential capable of supplying a cation corresp. to the metal of the above closoborane at its interface with (I); and the positive electrode forming a sink at a lower chemical potential for the corresp. cation.    Electrochemical generators of the primary or secondary types, partic. rechargeable batteries can be produced using (I). The solid soln. is also suitable for the prodn. of electrodes, which form a homogeneous agglomeration composite prod. of its electrode material and of the solid soln. The generators have an improved resistance to thermal shock.
Battery separator has a separator coating consisting of a copolymer of diacetone acrylamide (I) and a polymerisable monomer (II). The (II) is e.g. acrylic acid, 2-acrylamide-2-methyl-propanesulphonic acid, styrene, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, maleic anhydride, vinyl stearate, ethyl vinyl ether, N-vinylpyrrolidone, vinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile, methyl vinyl ketone, methacrylic acid, acrylamide or butadiene.    The coating pref. comprises 0.5-20 wt. % of the separator material. The separators are esp. useful in zinc battery cells as described in US4298667(87175 D/47). The electrodes have good stability to KOH, low electrical resistence, efficiency at minimal consns., effective bonding and mechanical stability, agglomeration and shape change retardation, dendritic growth retardation and resistance to change of growth morphology.
Method for preparing an electrode active layer comprises mixing an aq. dispersion of particulate PTFE with an aq. suspension of particulate carbon black; washing and drying; mixing with a pore-forming agent; fibrillating the mixt.; drying; adding PTFE fibres whilst chopping the dried fibrillated mixt.; forming the chopped mixt. into a sheet; and washing and drying.    The particulate mix may be chopped prior to fibrillating. The PTFE fibres prior to chopping pref. have an av. length of 0.005-0.05 inch and a denier per filament of ca. 3-10.    The resulting electrode active layers (which may also contain a precious metal catalyst such as Pt) are of the type claimed in parent specification US4337140 (59334 E/28) and are esp. useful for forming laminated cathodes with good resistance to blistering and structural degradation when contacted with water when washing to remove the water soluble pore former. The electrodes are useful in electrochemical cells, esp. chlor-alkali cells.
A positive electrode for a Pb-acid storage cell is mfd. by (a) chemically preparing particulate beta PbO2; and (b) supporting the beta PbO2 for location in the cell. The PbO2 is pref. prepd. by reacting red lead with HNO3, esp. 3-6M HNO3 at 80-100 deg.C.; or by hydrolysing Pb tetra-acetate in glacial acetic acid. It pref. has a grain size about 500A. The beta PbO2 may be mixed with particulate electrically conductive material inert to cell reactions esp. graphite powder. The beta PbO2 is pref. at least 50 wt.% mixt.    Mfr. time is much less than the 4-6 days required for conventional prodn.of forming an electrode from PbO, curing and charging. The cell may be prepd. in the charged state. The graph shows charge/discharge characteristics of the electrode.
A gastight, liq.-tight pole seal for an accumulator, esp. a lead accumulator, with a casing of plastics, esp. polyethylene or polypropylene, is arranged as follows. The lid or top cover (2) of the casing has a pot-shaped form where the pole (3) passes through it. This pot contains a lower layer (5) of a hard cast material, esp. an acid-resistant, two-component resin, and a middle layer (6) of a thermoplastic, permanently elastic, acid-resistant plastics material, esp. a melt adhesive such as ethylene acryl polymer, bitumen, wax, resin, grease etc. Around the top of this permanently elastic layer (6), there is pref. annular chamber (14) communicating with this layer and permitting it to expand under temp.    The arrangement prevents leakage of the permanently elastic layer, (6), resulting in stains on the upper face of the battery cover. The pole itself pref. has an annular groove (8) around it, in the zone of the upper sealing layer (7).
Galvanic cell comprises a container (2) having a cathode material (20) in electrical contact with the container (2) an anode material (28), a separator (22,24) between the electrodes, an electrolyte (30) in ionic contact with the anode and cathode materials, a cell cover (32) over the open end of the container (2) and in electrical contact with the anode material (28), and a sealing gasket (10) compressed between the cover (32) and the container (2).    Specifically, the sealing gasket (10) comprises a horizontal base (12) having an inner flange (16) and an outer flange (14), the latter being disposed adjacent to the inner sidewall (6) of the container (2) compressed between the container sidewall (6) and the edge (34) of the cover (32), insulating the cover from the container electrically and sealing the cover to the container. The upper portion of the inner flange (16) of the gasket (10) is turned over and compressed on top of the outer edge of the separator effectively isolating the cathode (20) from the anode (28) and cover (32).    Pref. the gasket is made from a polymeric material selected from nylon, PTFE, FEP, ethylene FEP copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, perfluoroalkoxypolymer, polyvinyls, polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene.    The assembly adequately prevents penetration of alkaline electrolyte between the container and the gasket. The method is suitable for use in mass prodn.
Sealing gasket is described for an electrochemical miniature cell, the cell comprising a container haVing a base, upright sidewall and an open end, and a cell cover disposed at the open end of the container, and a sealing gasket between container and cover with the top portion of the sidewall bent inwards.    The sealing gasket comprises in its unassembled state an upright annular sidewall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface, and an inwardly disposed flange at the base of the sidewall. The sidewall has non uniform such that its average thickness at the quarter immediately above the flange is greater than the average thickness of the top quarter of the sidewall, thus providing, in the assembled state of the cell, increased sealing surface area, and ensuring that the peripheral sealing edge of the cell is disposed below the top surface of the cell cover.    The gasket is esp. for use in cells using alkaline electrolytes which in prior art tend to leak by creeping through the sealed metal interface. Such cells include Ni-Cd, Ag2O-Zn, air-depolarised cells and alkaline MnO2 cells. The sealing surface is increased, gasket cut through is decreased and terminal clearance is increased.
Solid proton conductor consists of an amorphous matrix material (I) with proton-contg. cations (IA) and a polar vehicle (II) in this, which favours proton transport.    Pref. (IA) is a hydronium (H3O+), ammonium (NH4+), hydrazinium (N2H5+) and/or organic amine cation (H+-amine), pref. based on low-mol. 1-6 C (cyclo)aliphatic or aromatic amine(s), esp. MeNH2, EtNH2 or pyridine. (II) is water, NH3 and/or a (low-mol., 1-6, esp. 1-2 C aliphatic) alcohol. (I) contains an inorg. and/or organic material, pref. with functional Bronsted acid gps., esp. carboxylic acid, sulphonic acid and/or phosphate gps. (I) pref. is based on cellulose and/or a cellulose deriv. in which the lipophilic properties are increased, esp. by esterifying, etherifying and/or reducing the OH gps. CMC and CMC acetate are pref.    The material, pref. in the form of a film and/or thin coating, is useful as separator material or electrolyte for prim. and sec. cells, fuel cells, electrolytic cells, electrochromic displays and electronic memory elements. It can be produced easily and cheaply and has high conductivity. Corrosion and environmental pollution are avoided.
Air cell comprises a container having an open-ended top and air opening(s) in the base, a cell assembly consisting of an air electrode in electrical contact with the container, anode mass situated above the air electrode, separator layer, an electrolyte in ionic contact with the air electrode and anode mass, cell cover electrically contacting the anode and an electrically insulating gasket interposed and compressed between the cell container and cover.    The improvement is that a resiliently deformable apertured seal , surface coated with sealing agent, is compressively disposed between the container base and the air electrode such that the seal aperture encompasses the air opening in the base of the conteriner to form an air diffusion chamber between the air electrode and the container base. The seal also provides support for the air electrode.    The seal provides a barrier to electrolyte leakage around the air electrode to prevent premature end of useful cell life and minimise damage to devices e.g. hearing aids in which the cell is used.
An Li electrode, used in a cell having a thionyl chloride liq. cathode, is treated to reduce passivation by coating the electrode with a soln. of alkyl 2-cyanoacrylate, a solvent, and Li perchlorate, before assembly in the cell. The LiClO4 concn. is pref. up to 3M.    The coating reduces the voltage dip on activation after storage (e.g. from 1.695V to 0.370V) and reduces the delay time in reaching steady voltage, e.g. to 0.5s.    In an example, electrodes were prepd. by coating Li with (A) a 1:3 cyanoacrylate/ethylacetate soln., and by coating with the same soln. (B) contg. 1M LiClO4. Cells are produced using these electrodes and an uncoated electrode. Voltage delay for the two coated electrodes after 1 day storage, has voltage dips of A= 0.625V, B=0.370V; and recovery times of A=20s, B=0.5s. For an uncoated electrode, the voltage dip was 1.695V.
Small dia. cylindrical electrochemical cell comprises (a) an alkali or alkaline earth metal anode(11); (b) a fluid cathode depolariser/electrolyte solvent contg. dissolved electrolyte salt; and (c) an inert carbonaceous cathode material slurried with the depolariser as 1.7-7.8 (pref. 3.5-4.4) vol.% slurry; all contained in (d) a container(16) having an inner dia. less than 1 in. (2.5cm), pref. less than 0.5 in. (1.2cm).    The cathode slurry(13) pref. includes a binder, esp. PTFE. The anode is pref. Li; the fluid cathode depolariser is pref. fluid oxyhalide, nonmetallic oxide and or nonmetallic halide, esp. thionyl chloride or SO2; and the carbonaceous powder is pref. Shawinigan acetylene black.    The use of cathode slurry improves the electrochemical capability of small dia. cells only, giving, for optimum 0.3 in. dia. container, capacity up to 90% theoretical with binder, up to 77% without, for discharge at 10mA(1.6mA/cm2) to 2.5V cutt-off. The cell is simply mfd. by high rate processing.
Hoses extend longitudinally of the strip which is motivated by pairs of feed-in and feed-out rollers. Also in the strip forward feed direction are heating and successive cooling devices.    Within the hoses are rods which extend between the two pairs of rollers and are bent at their front ends, the curved part resting against one roller in the feed-in pair. The rods have a cooling section connected to a calibration section, or which forms part of that section. The cooling section surface has ring or spiral surface tracks. (First major country equivalent to AT8005652-A)
Mfr. comprises forming fibrous polyacetylene within a porous macromolecular film (II) by allowing a catalyst soln. (III) to contact with acetylene (IV) under the condition that (II) is impregnated with (III). (III) is made up of the catalytic system consisting of a transition metal cpd. and an organometal cpd. and a solvent.    Film obtd. has 4-5 times mechanical strength and 20-40% improved elongation compared to trans-polyacetylene alone. (I) is useful esp. as an electrode material for galvanic cells using lithium perchlorate-propylene carbonate.
Alkaline cell having a consumable metal anode; a metal oxide contg. depolariser; and an aq. alkaline electrolyte; has at least one electrode produced by compaction from a mixt. of electrode forming cpds. and a minor amt. additive mixt. of silicone polymer oils, metal silicate, emulsifier, water, and liq. aliphatic hydrocarbons.    Pref. the anode is Zn or Cd and the metal oxide is an oxide of Mn, Hg or Ag, esp. MnO2. The additive is pref. included in the depolariser, which esp. comprises 73-89 wt.% MnO2 (based on wt. depolariser mixt.); 7-15 wt.% C black or graphite; 4-12% alkaline soln.; and 0.25-2.0 (esp. 0.75-1.25)% additive mixt. In mfr., the additive is added to the mixt. of electrode cpds. before compaction.    The additive improves pellet integrity in the presence of . electrolyte, allows pellet prodn. with lower press. and less tool wear; gives improved shelf storage, esp. at elevated temp.; and suppresses possible H2 evolution. Exemplary cells stored for 7 days at 71 deg.C and discharged at 21 deg.C through 4 ohm to 0.8V cut-off voltage were operated for 2.7 hr without additive, and 3.3 hr with additive.
Thin film of lead or its alloy is formed on the surface of a latticed body composed of acid-resistant thermoplastic resin, by dipping the latticed body in molten lead or its alloy bath or by spreading the molten zinc or its alloy onto the latticed body, such that fine projections of the resin constituting the latticed body are formed through the thin film of zinc or its ally.    When the latticed body made of polypropylene is dipped in a molten zinc bath, polypropylene at the surface layer is melted, and lead is about to be solidified. By raising the latticed body under this condition and cooling it, lead is solidified into a thin film. Polypropylene metl at the surface layer crashes through a part of the thin lead film and swells out. This swelling polypropylene is formed into the fine projections by solidification.    The composite body is useful as a lightweight grid body for a lead storage battery. The adhesion of the lead layer to the resin body is improved by the formation of the fine projections.
Material having carbon-degradable content is heat treated to convert the degradable material to carbon by (i) dividing a temp. range into at least two intervals, the first capable of supporting max. heating rate (I) and the second a max. rate (II) without blistering; (ii) heating at a rate not greater than max. rate (I); and (iii) heating at a rate different from max. rate (I) and not greater than max. rate (II).    The carbon degradable material pref. comprises a resin, more pref. Varcum 29-703 resin.    The heat treatment is partic. for prepn. of fuel cell plates, and is rapid while avoiding undesirable effects such as blistering and increases in through porosity.
Explosion resistant sealed battery cell is described in which the casing is formed in a non-cylindrical configuration to render it distortable in shape by internal pressure to increase its volume. The casing is made from a flexible material and has dimensions and configuration suitable for such volume expanding distortion to take place without creation of breaks in the casing to vent the interior to atmos.    The cell includes a thermally responsive device for hermetically sealing the cell before and during volume expansion, the device being capable of melting at some predetermined temp., venting the casing to release excess pressure build up from inside the casing after the predetermined volume expansion has taken place.    Failure by explosion is prevented. The invention is primarily for use with Li/SO2 batteries but may also be extended to other types of batteries where similar problems occur.
Active agent is charged into substrate comprising lead lattice and synthetic resin frame. On the surface of this substrate, a mat is fixed, fusing and bonding it on the frame by applying heat. The binder used for the mat has lower heat softening point than the mat, consisting of thermoplastic resin and silica. (J55004843-A)
Secondary battery comprises (a) an anode which includes an anode active material of an organic polymer which is capable of being reversibly converted into a highly conductive substance by doping cations into it; (b) a cathode including a cathode active material capable of forming an intercalation cpd. with the cations in the electrolyte and in the anode, and chosen from metal phthalocyanine complexes, metal porphyrin complexes, and transition metal chalcogenide cpds.; and (c) a liq. electrolyte between (a) and (b) contg. a dopant consisting of anions and cations, the anions in the electrolyte being non-oxyacidic polyatomic anions to reduce degradation of the organic polymer by oxidn.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery has a long service life because of its good durability to charge and discharge operations. (First major country equivalent to J58121569-A)
Anolyte for use in an anhydrous rechargeable storage battery having reactants of alkali or alkaline earth metal (pref. Na, Li, Ca, K) and S, comprises anhydrous NH3; a bronze supressing, conductivity-enhancing salt, pref. of the anode metal, soluble in anhydrous NH3; and a bronze suppressing organic substance soluble in anhydrous NH3 and inert to reaction with NH3 and the anode metal.    Bronze formation in the anode compartment of a rechargeable storage battery having reactants as above is suppresses by using the anolyte. The anode assembly of the battery pref. comprises a current collector contacting the anode, and the anolyte. The cell is divided into two compartments by a cation selective partition, pref. a cation exchange membrane comprising polypropylene or polyethylene having functional gps. from sulphonic and or carboxylic acid. The cell pref. contains a catholyte of S or polysulphides of the anode alkali metal, dissolved in anhydrous NH3.    The cell is rechargeable at room temp. and is lightweight, so useful for e.g. electric vehicles. Suppression of bronze formation avoids damage to the partition, without degradation through use of excessive amts. conductive salts.
A stand for batteries, e.g. for checking or servicing, has side plates (1) each with a box-like body and through openings (3) at the top edge (2) perpendicular to the plane of the plate, and stringers (10) linking the plates and each with a hollow rectangular body, a slit (15) along the centre of the underside, and a flange (16) upstanding from one side to give a L-shape.    The stringers and plates are held together by nuts and bolts, the elongate openings and slits permitting adjustment in mutually orthogonal directions. The stringers are pref. PVC coated inside and out. Both plates and stringers are pref. formed by bending sheet metal blanks, and the arrangement provides high reliability and adjustability.
(JP92049223-B)      Battery case - comprises an injection-formed moulding made of a polypropylene cpd. contg. a benzylidenesorbitol 0.1-1 wt.%, polypropylene-alpha olefin random- or block-copolymer, and crystalline polypropylene polymer.    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J58115753-A)
Galvanic cell has solid anode and cathode, at least one of which is based on polyacetylene, and a solid electrolyte, consisting of a ceramic body on which the organic electrode material is polymerised directly. The ceramic is a Na ion conductor and consists of beta-Al2O3, Na2Zr2Si2PO12 or mixed crystal cpds. of the quat. ZrO2-P2O5-SiO2-Na2O system; or a Li ion conducting Li nitride. The anode is a Li or Na electrode or Li- or Na-doped polyacetylene.    The cell is very compact and very stable and can be used in integrated solid state batteries, esp. for electronics applicns.
Iodine cathode for batteries comprises a liq. solid compsn. where (a) the liq. portion is satd. with dissolved I2 and includes an organic donor complexed with (part of) the iodine and also contains styrene copolymerised with a vinyl pyridine donor; and (b) the solid portion consists of I2.    The I2 utilisation is increased, e.g. from 67.26% to 76.15%. The styrene copolymer may be used to control the viscosity of the cathode liq. Use includes in batteries for cardiac pacemakers.
An elastomeric patch is applied to a polypropylene surface (I) such a battery case (II) by (a) removing the surface layer of (II) by abraiding it; (b) applying H2O2 to the abraided surface; (c) applying a layer of cyanoacrylate adhesive to the treated surface (b) and (d) placing the patch on the adhesive surface.    (I) is pref. cleaned with a suitable solvent and the H2O2 is applied to the abrasive material, which is emery cloth, before abrading the surface.    The patch is used to provide markings on batteries and battery cases to discourage unauthorised replacement and transfer in automobile rental agencies.
The cell consists of two electrodes (a,c), which are sepd. by a solid electrolyte film (c). At least the solid electrolyte, and possibly one or both electrodes, are embedded in a rubber-elastic material (c1) contg. no plasticiser, the solid electrolyte (c2) being a lithium cpd. Material (c1) is pref. a polyolefin, a halogenated polyolefin, and/or a polystyrene homologue; and is esp. atactic polypropylene or polythene, or polyisobutylene. Cpd. (c2) is pref. Li(3u+2v+w)XuYvZw; where X=N, P and/or As; Y=O, S, Te and/or Se; Z=H and/or halogen; u,v,w, are each 0 to 1, but only one may equal zero. An esp. pref. cpd. (c2) is Li9N2Cl3.    Process is used esp. for mfg. lithium batteries, where no plasticiser is used because it could diffuse out of film (c) and cause cracks reducing the conductivity in the cell.
Battery comprises a case which incorporates a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, a separator separating the cathode and anode and an electrolyte, at least one of the electrodes comprising a current collector and a linear tractable electroactive polymer (I) which is capable of undergoing reversible oxidn., reVersible redn. or both to form a linear charged polymer incorporating charge-compensating ionic dopants.    The (I) comprises diradical repeat units chosen from a heterocyclic ring system including at least one gp. 5B or gp. 6B atom, in which none of the ring C atoms are satd., a heterocyclic ring system including at least one gp. 5B or gp 6 B atom in which none of the ring C atoms are satd., and a connecting unit, and mixts. of these, the diradical repeat unit being in the form of a monomeric repeat unit which is capable of undergoing reversible oxidn., reversible redn. or both to form a stable ionic species and in which the connecting unit is a conjugated system or atom or gp. of atoms which maintain pi-orbital overlap with the heterocyclic ring system.    Use of tractable polymers as claimed allows construction of prim. and sec. batteries which are lightweight, and have high energy density, which can be operated under normal ambient conditions and do not contain highly toxic or spontaneously combustible materials, and which can be made in the form of a plurality of thin polymer electrodes sandwiched together in laminar form to allow the construction of batteries of non-traditional shape which can be accommodated into a space within a vehicle such as inside door panels, under bonnets and boots, inside seats, etc.
An electrochemical cell comprises a metal housing (4) and cover (15) having a metal electrical terminal (12) extending through it; and an electrochemical system within the housing comprising a battery stack (2) exposed to an electrolytic soln. (3) including a catalytically reducible soluble cathode. The battery stack comprises (a) a cathode structure (6) adjacent the housing, catalytically reducing the soluble cathode during cell discharge; and (b) an anode structure (10) comprising a metal electrode (10a) spaced from the cathode and housing, having a predetermined initial area; and an elongated thin, bare flexible metal element (10b) at the potential of the metal electrode between the metal electrode and the terminal, having an initial surface area 1-10% that of the electrode, minimising parasitic catalytic redn. of the soluble cathode at the surface of the metal element.    The cell area at which parasitic self-discharge occurs is minimised, avoiding unnecessary shortening of the lifespan of the cell.
Electrochemical cell comprises a metal housing (4) and a cover having a metal electrical terminal (12) extending through it; and an electrochemical system within the housing comprising a battery stack (2) exposed to an electrolytic soln. (3) including a catalytically reducible solid cathode. The battery stack comprises (a) a cathode structure (6) adjacent the housing, ca catalytically reducing the soluble cathode during cell discharge; and (b) an anode structure (10) comprising a metal electrode (10a) spaced from the cathode and housing; and a metal conductive assembly at the potential of the anode metal electrode, connecting the electrode to the terminal.    The metal conductive assembly comprises (i) an electrically conductive metal conductor (10b) physically and electrically contacting the metal electrode, having one portion (10d) within the electrode and a second portion (10e) extending outwardly from it; and (ii) a conductive metal jumper (10f) physically and electrically connected between the second portion of conductor (i) and the metal terminal (12). A chemically stable antiparasitic discharge material (10h) covers (part of) the metal conductive assembly, preventing catalytic redn. of the soluble cathode at covered surfaces. Suitable materials include ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, and copolymer of ethylene and PTFE.    Parasitic self discharge during storage is minimised, avoiding undesirable capacity loss and premature termination of the rated lifespan of the cell.
The substrate is made by first prepg. a mixt. contg. by wt. 30-50% carbon fibres (a), 20-50% binder (b), and 20-50% organic grains (c). The mixt. is pressed into a blank, which is hardened and then calcined to obtain the substrate. Fibres (a) pref. have a dia. of 5-30 microns, a length of 0.05-2 mm., and a linear carbonising shrinkage during calcining at 2000 deg.C of 0.1-3.0%.    Binder (b) pref. has a carbonising yield of 30-75% and is esp. a phenolic resin, pitch and/or a furfuryl alcohol resin. Grains (c) pref. have a dia. of 0.03-0.3 mm., a carbonising yield of max. 30% and are esp. polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVC, polythene, polypropylene and/or polystyrene.    Excellent electric conductivity and mechanical strength; high porosity and suitable for fuel cells with a large vol., esp. when the substrate is ribbed.
A moulded plastic battery tray cover has a reinforcing grid of integrally moulded, parallel ribs running in two directions meeting at right angles in a planar body. The cover is pref. vacuum moulded and the plastic is pref. polycarbonate or a PVC and acrylic copolymer. The moulding platen is such that the cover has grid protrusions on one side and grid depressions on the other.    The cover has a peripheral skirt which surrounds the top of the battery case. The skirt has slots in one wall for receiving tray tabs when the cover is placed in position and a tab on the other side which overlies a tray tab and can be used for locking the cover in place.    The cover is designed to be used on industrial type batteries for mining applications and replaces steel covers with an internal insulating layer. The cover is strong but light enough to be removed by one man in a confined space. It is electrically insulating, corrosion resistant and fire resistant.
Process to improve the compaction of a cathode for an electrochemical cell includes the addn. of a polyolefin pref. polyethylene or polypropylene in a particle form to the cathode mixture which also includes particles of active cathode material e.g. HgO, Ag2O or MnO2 and of electrically conducting material such as graphite or carbon. The polypropylene pref. used has a particle size of 30-300 microns and is used in a quantity of 0.1-3% of the cathode.    The compaction consists of an extrusion pref. of the humid type to the inside of a tank cell. The patent also includes the electrochemical cell contg. the above cathode, a Zn anode and an alkaline electrolyte of KOH.    Used in alkaline electrolyte cells with extruded cathodes.
Two thermoplastic pieces are butt welded by initially heating and butt welding the pieces to form a headed weld. The weld is then reheated to a molten state and quickly quenched to relieve strain.    Method can be used in the mfr. of an elongated thermoplastic battery jar. A strain free weld is obtd.
New electroconductive acetylene high polymers (I) are obtd. by electrochemically doping acetylene high polymers (II) with quinazolium cations of formula (III): (where R1 and R2 are up to 20C alkyl, aralkyl or aryl; R3 is halogen or up to 20C alkyl, aralkyl or aryl and n is 0-4).    (II) pref. have a fibrous fine crystal (fibril) structure. The doping amt. of (III) is 1-40, pref. 2-30, mole % to 1 mole of the repeat unit CH of (II). Doping can be carried out by using electrolytes with (III) salts dissolved as supporting electrolytes in protic and highly dielectric organic solvents, and by applying a more than 0.8V of d.c. voltage so that (II) act as cathodes.    (II) may be doped with a large amt. of (III) without deterioration. The polymers are useful as batteries using (II) as electrodes or as n-type (II) with high electric conductivity.
Fuel cell comprises (a) a number of stacked unit cells each comprising a pair of gas diffusion electrodes with a matrix contg. electrolyte soln. between electrodes; (b) an interconnector having a fuel gas passage on one surface and and oxidising gas passages on the other, between each adjacent pair of unit cells; and (c) at least one cooling pipe (23) coated with an insulating film embedded in at least one interconnector (22), which interconnector is a one mould prod.    The insulator film is pref. electrostatically coated. It is pref. fluorocarbon polymer, esp. PTFE, and is pref. heated above its softening point after electrostatic coating. The interconnector is thinner than conventional adhered mating pair interconnectors, e.g. 10 mm and the pipe makes good contact with interconnector, instead of 13 mm giving improved cooling efficiency.
Active materials for electrodes for lead accumulators are comprised of (a) Pb, PbO2 or mixts. of these and (b) 15-50 vol.% on total compsn. of at least one ion-doped polymer chosen from (i) polypyrrole (C4H3N)n and its substd. derivs. of formula (I) in which R1, R2 and R3 (same or different) are H, OCH3, SCN, OCN, SR or R where R is alkyl or aryl gp. which opt. carry one or more substits. chosen from OCH3, SCN, OCN and NO2; (ii) dehydrogenated polypyrrole (C4H2N)n; (iii) poly-p-phenylene (C6H4)n and its substd. derivs. of formula (II) in which R'1, R'2, R'3 and R'4 (same or different) are n, -C(R)=O, SO2R, P(OR)2=O or R, and (iv) polyacetylene (CH)n. Pref. doped polymers have the formula ((C4R1R2R3N)y,yA)n, ((C4H2N)y,yA)n, ((C6R'1R'2R'3R'4)y,yA)n and ((CHy,yA)n in which A is an ion dopant, y is between 0 and 1, esp. 0.02-0.35, being the fraction of A w.r.t. monomer. The ion dopants may be electron acceptors such as ClO4-, FeCl3-, AsF5-, SO4--, or HSO4-, or electron donors such as Li+ or Na+. The electrodes have improved performance and can withstand numerous charge-discharge cycles without deterioration.
Battery casing comprises a blow moulded plastics body (of e.g. polypropylene) and a cooperating lid. The mouth of the body is inwardly stepped and receives the rim of the lid with the outer surface of the rim being fused with the outer surface of the body. The lid is concave and has apertures to receive the battery poles and has a central filling opening surrounded by an upstanding flexible lip which sealingly engages the undersurfaces of a cover to prevent spillage of electrolyte onto the lid.    Lid can be welded to the body without external flush to enable bottoms to be placed fully in contact. The concave nature of the lid accommodates any pole expansion and spillage of electrolyte onto the lid is avoided.
Accumulator cell contains at least one anode chamber (a), and a cathode chamber (c), which are sepd. from each other by a solid electrolyte (b) conducting alkali ions. Chamber (c) contains at least one current collector, and a matrix which conducts electrons. The matrix is a strongly anisotropic felt with its principal fibre direction parallel to electrolyte (b); and the felt is impregnated with a soln. (I) of at least one duromer, which is conc. near the current collector while the solvent is evaporated. The duromer is then carbonised. Soln. (I) pref. consists of a phenolic resin with 50-95 wt.% ethanol, and the resin is conc. by rotating the cell and evapn. of the alcohol. The resin is pref. carbonised at 500-15000 deg.C.    The sulphur electrode has a higher conductivity and is less expensive than sulphur electrodes in conventional accumulators.
Gas-tight leak-proof battery contains alkaline electrolyte, partic. KOH, and its terminals have electrically insulating seals where they are fitted to the casing. The negative terminal has an additional seal of alkali-resistant two-part adhesive bonded on inside the normal seal.    Specifically a nickel-cadmium battery contains separators and KOH in a gas-tight leak-proof casing which has a metal cover and sealing tubes from the base up to the top where they are formed into sealing tongues. After positioning the sealing tubes and adding electrolyte, the inner side of the tongue and its adjacent surface of the seal are coated with low-viscosity acrylic adhesive plus straight chain diene hydrocarbon hardener. The cover edge is laid on this coating and then the edge of the casing is folded over. The coating polymerises and shrinks to meniscus shape. Tests show that no alkali escapes from this construction.    The extra seal totally prevents leakage of alkali without significant extra cost and is readily applied.
The battery comprises a container contg. (a) a battery element having positive and negative electrodes with a separator between them; (b) a hollow tube auxiliary electrode located in the central hollow space of the wound battery element; and (c) a microporous film bag sepg. the auxiliary electrode from the battery element, esp. of polypropylene.    The structure changes the characteristic voltage between negative and auxiliary electrodes with time on charging, providing an abrupt increase (curves A,B) from just above zero to 0.6V instead of the gradual increase (curve C) of conventional structures with non-enclosed auxiliary electrode. This avoids premature stopping of charging, or change to trickle charging when the voltage detector erroneously operates below 0.6V, or permits trickle charging for a fixed period. The battery may be charged for several minutes longer than conventional batteries. (First major country equivalent to J58082283-A)
Method for sealing together the conductive parts (4,6) of an electrochemical cell whilst retaining the parts electrically insulated from each other, comprises (a) interposing between the parts to be bonded a thermoplastic bonding agent (I) which flows at the heat-sealing temp. used and an inter-layer of an insulating material (II) having a m.pt. higher than the heat sealing temp., and (b) sealing the parts together under heat and press. to soften the (I) without affecting the (II).    (I) is pref. a hot melt adhesive comprising one or more of ionomer resin, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer contg. up to 15 wt.% acrylic acid, or a terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic acid and an acrylic ester. (II) is e.g. of glass fibre, a polyester or a polyamide and is pref. less than 0.05 mm thick.    The method is versatile and allows a wide range of cell configurations to be fabricated without limitations of geometry etc. imposed by other methods of binding such as crimping. Good insulation of the parts, which are e.g. electrodes, from each other is obtd. and good sealing against ingress of atmospheric agents and leakage of the contents is achieved. The process is esp. useful in the prodn. of lithium-organic electrolyte cells of various configurations.
Leak-proof alkaline cell comprises positive and negative electrode materials; a member for accommodating the positive electrode materials; a member for covering the negative electrode materials; a gasket between the members; and a sealant comprising asphalt and a cpd. chosen from vinyl acetate homo- or copolymers and polyterpene interposed between the gasket and at least one of the members.    Pref. the gasket is of polyamide and the asphalt is a straight asphalt with a softening point of not less than 60 deg. C. Pref. sealants are comprised of asphalt with 0.5-25 wt.%, pref. 0.5-10 wt.% on asphalt of vinyl acetate homopolymer or vinyl acetate copolymer, esp. EVA copolymer; or asphalt with 1-30 wt.%, esp. 3-15 wt.% polyterpene.    The constructions gives excellent prevention of electrolyte leakage in alkaline cells such as manganese cells, silver oxide cells, mercury cells, nickel cells or alkaline air cells.
The gelification of the anodes for alkaline piles includes the gelification phase of an active anode material such as zinc with reticulated carboxymethyl cellulose in a soln. of alkaline electrolyte such as KOH soln. The degree of reticulation of the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is between 0.01 and 10% with respect to the number of units of glucose anhydride which it contains, and it forms 0.5 to 7% by wt. of the anode.    The use of reticulated CMC gives piles with an improved capacity for discharge, and it can be used in "button" batteries such as those using silver oxide anodes because it does not contain ammoniac which reacts with the silver oxide used as a depolariser.
Fibrous material plate for accumulator battery separator prodn. has specific surface 70-180 (g/sq.m.. The material is produced from a mixt. of purified cellulose fibres contg. 90-99% alpha-cellulose and 5-20 wt.% glass microfibres having average fibre dia. up to 4 microns.
Battery separator which is acid- but not water-wettable comprises a mixt. of 10-20(12-16)wt.% polyolefin fibres, 2-8(3-6)wt.% polyester fibres, 0-15(5-15)wt.% glass fibres, 50-75(50-70)wt.% diatomaceous earth and 7-15(8.5-14)wt.% acrylic copolymer binder. The separator has a total volume of at least 70%, pref. 70-90%, an average pore dia. equal to or less than 14 microns and an ohmic resistance of at most 0.23 ohm/dm power 2 (0.015 ohm per sq.ft.). A process for prepg. the separator is also claimed.    The separator is free from cellulose, has high yield and can be used in batteries which do not need maintenance.
Air-depolarised cell, e.g. zinc air cell, design eliminating leakage of electrolyte from cathode can air-hole. Referring to Fig. 1., a ring 44 of Ni or Ni-plated steel, pref. of L-shaped cross-section is placed on top of air electrode 22 in cathode can 12 and forced down such that microporous hydrophobic layer 34 beneath is compressed, pref. to 30-80% of its original thickness. This ensures that electrolyte added in subsequent assembly operations is prevented from seeping around the air electrode, thus eliminating leakage via cathode can air hole 16.    An electrolyte-tight seal is produced between cathode can and air electrode and reliable electrical contact ensured using a single ring similar to those widely employed in conventional button cells, permitting standard assembly techniques to be used.
Prepn. of an organic polymer layered dichalcogenide comprises reacting a dicyclopentadienyl transition metal dichloride-substd. styrene divinylbenzene copolymer (I) with a chalcogenide cpd. (II) of Li chalcogenide or a chalcogenide-bearing acid to form a dicyclopentadienyl transition metal dichalcogenide-substd. styrene divinyl benzene copolymer (III). (III) is also claimed.    (III) are useful as (a) cathode active material for Li non-aq. sec. batteries operating on the principle of intercalation; (b) photogalvanic electrodes for the galvanocatalytic prodn. of H2 and O2 from aq. electrolytes or CH4 and O2 from alcoholic electrolytes; and (c) reforming catalysts for fuel cells, as general petrochemical catalysts or as cathode active material for primary batteries.
Prepn. of an organic polymer layered trichalcogenide comprises (a) reacting a lithiated styrene divinylbenzene copolymer with a cyclopentadienyl transition metal trichloride to form a cyclopentadienyl transition metal trichloride-substd. styrene divinyl benzene copolymer; and (b) reacting the obtd. copolymer with a chalcogenide cpd. (I) of Li chalcogenide or a chalcogenide-bearing acid to form a cyclopentadienyl transition metal trichalcogenide-substd. styrene divinylbenzene copolymer. The trichalcogenide copolymer is also claimed.    The trichalcogenide copolymer is useful as cathode active material for Li non-aq. secondary batteries which operate on the principle of intercalation; as photogalvanic electrodes for the galvano catalytic prodn. of H2 and O2 from aq. electrolytes or CH4 and O2 fofromrom alcoholic electrolytes; and as reforming catalysts for fuel cells, as general petrochemical catalysts or as cathode active material for primary batteries.
Iron-silver battery coprises a case which includes a porous positive electrode of silver active material and a porous negative electrode of iron active aterial, electrical lead tabs being attached to each electrode. At least one shunt electrode is connected in parallel with the positive electrode plate and comprises a material having a lower oxygen evolution potential than silver. There is a separator between the electrode plates and one between the plates and the shunt electrode.    The shunt electrode prevents shedding of active material from the iron electrode during extended cycling and prevents the silver electrode from reaching high positive voltages which cause silVer dissolution. The battery is very stable and reliable, has a wide range of operating temps. and is particl useful in undersea and space environments.
Fuel cell assembly has an electrolyte matrix (10) situated between two electrodes (11,12) with two plates (17,18) adjacent the electrodes and defining therewith two chambers for carrying respective process gases. Electrolyte is carried through the first plate into communication with the matrix and through the second plate, using an elongate groove (19) in the second plate (18), the groove being in communication with the matrix, a first passage (22) for carrying electrolyte through the first plate (17) and for communicating with the groove at a first point, and a second passage (21) communicating with the groove at a point exclusive of the first point and carrying electrolyte exclusively through the second plate.    Electrolyte fed to the first or second passage (21,22) is constrained to pass through the length of the groove between the first and second points so the electrolyte is assured of passing through the cell for entry into the matrix.
Ribbed separators for Pb-accumulators are made from standard non-vulcanised rubber strip; the ribs are formed on one side. The strip is connected tightly to the other side with paper and is wet vulcanised. Thickness is reduced, the height of the ribs is raised, distortion is avoided and thickness uniformity is attained as follows: the standard strip is shrunk for 1-5 min; before forming, the strip is pre-heated to 30-60 deg. C by means of surface irradiation and the ribbed side is covered with stiff elastic wettened paper. The connection of paper to strip and rib formation are carried out at 20-40 deg. C, 1-10 kg/sq.cm. press. and at a rate of 1-30 m/min. Bul. 25/7.7.82. (4pp)
Catalytic cathode mix for air depolarised cells, esp. zinc-air cells, includes a mixt. of carbon activated by a metal permanganate and unactivated carbon. Pref. formation employs potassium permanganate to activate carbon black. The activated black is mixed with virgin carbon black, a hydrophobic dispersion contg. PTFE or FEP, and electrolytic manganese dioxide.    Cathodes for air depolarised cells comprise a metal screen coated with the claimed mix, a microporous hydrophobic film being applied to one side of this matrix.    Claimed catalyst mix is cheaper to produce than conventional formulations which do not employ unactivated carbon. Its use in air depolarised cells gives more reproducible operating characteristics and higher on-load voltages.
A battery, esp. a starter battery for motor vehicles, consists of a case, welded to a lid, both made of plastic, (esp. polypropylene) and of two connecting posts. The connecting posts are made of a metal with a good electrical and thermal conductivity (esp. brass) and are protected against corrosion by a protective lining (esp. of lead). This simplifies the connections for start batteries, resulting in lower costs of production.
Mfr. is claimed of a fuel cell electrode having an electrically conducting support on which is deposited a catalytic layer covered with a water repellent layer formed by spraying with PTFE. The method includes pressing an assembly of support, catalytic structure and water repellent layer.    Specifically, the spraying is effected with the powder at a max. temp. of 40 deg.C, before pressing the assembly at a predetermined pressure of at least 400 bars, the max. pressure being reached by increasing the pressure uniformly at at least 20 bars/sec.    The method does not involve applying and subsequently removing a layer of Al as in prior art, thus avoids damaging the water repellent layer.
Prodn. of a solid electrolyte is claimed for electrochemical generators, comprising a complexing polymer (I) contg. a heteroatom (pref. O or N) in its monomer unit, and an ionisable alkaline salt complexed in (I). The novel feature is that (I) is mixed with a second polymer (II) which is inter miscible with (I) and has crosslinkable gps., and these gps. are then crosslinked by physical means, (I) being brought to an amorphous state during the crosslinking.    Crosslinking is pref. effected by irradiating or by hot calendering and (I) is made amorphous pref. by heating at 100 deg.C.    For electrochemical generators operating at room temp. Presence of (II) prevents crystallisation of (I)
The assembly includes at least one temp. detector connected to a transmission system which rotates together with the tyre or brake system member. The detector(s) actuates an optical and/or acoustical alarm.    Pref. the transmission system in a radio transmitter comprising an oscillator mounted on the tyre of brake member. The alarm is actuated by a radio receiver.    The transmitter includes a battery and the assembly is pref. enclosed first in a silicone resin and then in a fluocarbon resin. The transmitter pref. generates only one carrier wave.    The contacts in the system are not exposed and resist tampering. They are also not affected by mounting errors.
Method of mfg. an integral gas cooler assembly for use in cooling a fuel cell comprises (a) applying an electrically conductive material to first regions of a first plate of carbonisable material; (b) applying an adhesive to second regions of the first plate, the second regions bordering the first; (c) bringing the plate adjacent to a second plate of carbonisable material such that first and second region of the first plate are brought together with corresp. first and second regions of the second plate; and (d) heating the plates when in contact, sufficiently, to carbonise them. The first region of the plates define cooling channels.    The gas cooler assembly exhibits improved electrical conductivity and strength.
Envelopes of a woven acid-resistant fabric, heat-sealed along at least two borders for enclosing lead plates from an electricity accumulator, include near their borders a minor proportion of other threads of thermoplastic material having a relatively low m.pt. These threads are subsequently fused and agglomerate, during thermal fitting of the evelope, to provide local continuous impermeable and electrically insulating bands.    For envelopes to contain any debris dislodged from the plates, by e.g. vibration or destructive rates of discharge, to prevent associated internal short circuits, without inhibiting access of electrolyte. The impermeable zones cover and support the external ribs of the electrode plates. Esp. useful for plates of laminated as expanded Pb alloy larger than say 140 x 150 mm.
A cover for a jar with relatively thin sidewalls tending oto bow inwardly comprises a thermoplastics plate (12) with openings and guides spaced inwardly around the periphery to cooperate with the inner surface of the sidewalls to align the cover. The plate has four edges and the guide length is shorter in the centreo of eac edge than at the corners.    The guides may be regularly spaced posts, (32-44) may be continuous and in inverted V shape, or may include discontinuous skirt sections, optionally spaced inwardly of other guides to leave a passage between the sections and the jar. Guide length is pref. 1/2-3/4 inch at the corners and 3/8-1/2 inch at the side centres. The arrangement provides a camming action, pushing outwardly any bowed sidewalls so that covers are reliably inserted automatically by machine.
The electrochemical generator, such as solid electrolyte lithium cells, has the anode composed of 70 to 80% lithium and of 20 to 30% lead and/or tin, and the cathode composed from oxides and/or sulphides of transition metals which undergo substitution reactions with lithium. The solid electrolyte contains lithium nitride impregnated in a plastics material.    Various materials within the range quoted above may be used for the anode, cathode and electrolyte, in various mixtures. The cathode may pref. be formed by mixing the transition metal cpds. with polyfluorocarbonate resins, and the solid electrolyte impregnated into the polyolefin cpd. or a polyfluorocarbonate.
The contact for an alkaline electrochemical battery uses a pressing process to fix two metal discs to a cylindrical collector rod running down the centre of the battery. The metal discs are pressed so as to form a protrudent connecting stud. A polyethylene cap is moulded around the contact stud to form a flexible cap which is fitted onto the battery casing.    The gases internaly generated by the battery during its operation cause distortion of the casing which is absorbed by the polyethylene cap, so that the case distortion does not lead to creation of an electrical discontinuity between the contact stud and the collector rod. Air passages may be formed in the polyethylene cap for zinc.air batteries.
Casing for an electric accumulator has a rectangular box form with shaped corners to the edges and base of the profile which stand proud of the main plane of each wall and the base. The raised borders are linked to the flat walls by a concave profile of radius at least as great as the height of the border. The ratio of the height of each border of its width lies in the range 0.05-0.3. The profile also features a rib across the underside of the base, the rib not being deeper than the border ribs around the base, and another rib or flange across the top of the casing through but not taller than integral terminal bosses.    Used esp. for casings for alkaline accumulators, to provide adequate strength and stiffness for casings of constant wall thickness made by extrusion blow moulding compared with a casing of similar wall thickness without peripheral rib forms, the modified casings exhibited "much less" deformation in a top loading test, and withstand a 60 Hz vibration test at 1g acceleration 10 degree offset from the vertical axis without splitting along the edges.
At least the walls of the pores of the MnO2 exposed on the cathode surface are coated with a vapour deposited organic solvent to reduce the affinity of the MnO2 for absorbing moisture. Pref. the organic solvent is gamma butyrolactone, propylene carbonate, dimethoxyethane, THF, 3-methyl-2-oxazolidone or an organic electrolyte soln..    A conductive agent, esp. carbon or graphite, and a binder may be added to the MnO2, esp. where the binder is chosen from Portland cement, polyvinyl, cpds., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylics, polystyrene, polyisobutylene or PTFE.    Pref. the treated MnO2 contains a total of no more than 700 ppm, esp. no more than 500 ppm moisture after exposure to a relative humidity of 8% at 20 deg.C for 30 mins. The prods. are esp. useful for making cathodes for high energy battreries.
Extruded sheet electrode comprises a sheet composite of coextruded electrically conductive and non-conductive plastic materials, the conductive material comprising a mid portion of the sheet and the non-conductive plastic material comprising co-extruded side portions of the sheet. The side portions are pref. narrow strips w.r.t. the larger mid-portion and are pref. polypropylene, polyethylene or ethylenepropylene copolymers. Pref. conductive plastic material comprises (by wt.) ca. 100 pts. polyolefin, 25 pts. conductive carbon, 5 pts each carbon and glass fibre and 1 pt. fumed silica powder.    The electrodes are esp. useful in the prodn. of lightweight, low cost circulating zinc-bromine batteries. The coextrusion process gives good bonding between the conductive and insulating plastics, good maintenance of width, flatness and thickness dimensions within specified tolerances, and clear sharp boundary lines between conductive and non-conductive sections.
Prepn. of battery separators comprises adding surfactants to vinyl monomer solns. (and opt. emulsifying one or more monomers insoluble in the vinyl monomer solns) in order to graft vinyl monomers to synthetic resin films by reacting the vinyl monomers to synthetic resin films by reacting the vinyl monomer solns. with the synthetic resin films with irradiation causing electrolytic dissociation. Electrolytic dissociation may occur by irradiating synthetic resin films in the presence of the vinyl monomers, or irradiating synthetic resin films before contact with the vinyl monomer solns.    Addn. of the surfactants to the vinyl monomer solns. accelerates the polymerisation speed, and the method gives a predetermined percentage of grafting in shorter reaction times.
New separators (I) for use in batteries comprise graft polymers which are produced by grafting vinyl monomers having anionic radicals (II) and those having cationic radicals (III) to a polymer of synthetic resin film (IV). Prepn. of (I) comprises graft polymerisation of a mixt. of (II) and (III) with (IV); or graft polymerisation of either (II) or (III) with (IV) followed by graft polymerisation of the other.    (IV) include hydrocarbon system polyolefins, fluorine-contg. polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymers, polystyrene, etc. (II) include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, etc., and (III) include vinylpyridine, acrylamide, vinylpyrrolidone, etc.    (I) have good heat resistance, and good dispersion of electrolytic solns. Conventional graft separators (acrylic acid - or methacrylic acid-grafted polymers) have poor OH(-) ion permeability because of the cation exchanging properties. However, (I) have good OH(-) ion permeability.
Electrochemical cell includes (a) a Zn negative electrode; (b) a separator system comprising a polymer coating along the edges of the negative electrode and a unitary multilayer microporous film supported adjacent the Zn electrode; and pref. (c) a positive electrode separated from the Zn electrode by the separator, and (d) an electrolyte communicating with the electrodes.    The polymer is pref. nonporous and prevents dissolution and charging of Zn active material at the electrode edges. It is pref. nylon, polysulphone, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene oxide or PVA, esp. 5-30 mil thick. The multilayer microporous film pref. has layers including different constituents, esp. with an inner layer contg. a filler catalysing the reaction of metallic Zn and electrolyte ions to form electrolyte-soluble prods., sandwiched between two outer films.    The separator retards shape change and dendritic growth, increasing cell life. Test cells exhibit no shape change in 196-271 cycles to failure, one maintaining 100% capacity to 150 cycles.
Matrix material, esp. for carbonate melt fuel cells, contains (40-45 vol.%) particles which are inert towards the carbonate melt and have a particle size of under 1 micron, (min. 15 vol.%) ceramic particles with a particle size of over 25 microns and an organic polymeric binder (polyvinylbutyral) in an amt. of min. 35 vol.%.    The inert material consists of Li aluminate and the ceramic particles of alumina. A thin flexible matrix can be made easily by casting, unlike the usual matrices which are costly to produce by pressing, are brittle and require accurate tolerances.
Matrix material, esp. for a carbonate melt fuel cell, consists of a finely porous, gas permeable, anode-stable metal layer (1b), which has a porosity of 25-35 vol.% and is connected with a matrix tape (1a). This contains (40-45 vol.%) particles which are inert towards a carbonate melt electrolyte and have a particle size of under 1 micron, (min. 15 vol.%) ceramic particles with a particle size of over 25 microns and min. 25 vol.% organic polymeric binder (polyvinylbutyral) and is flexible at room temp.    The inert material pref. consists of Li aluminate and the ceramic particles of alumina.    The material is not brittle and has satisfactory stability.
Cap for a dry cell battery casing has a bulbous shallow cylindrical form to be gripped by the upper border of the casing wall so that the cap cannot shift axially in either direction. The cap includes a thin wall zone in its plan profile, to relieve internal pressure in the event of internal decomposition due to e.g. a destructive die charge rate.    Pref. the cap features a central boss with a coaxial passage ending in an integral convex base having less wall thickness at its perimeter than its centre. Pref. the underside of the cap features another, shallow, coaxial recess having a base greater in dia. than that of the external passage through the boss. These details facilitate the introduction of a plug-fit insert for a central terminal.    Used for capping the mouth of an open-topped dry-cell (Li/MnO) casing of conductive matl., to contain internal electrolyte or reagents and insulate the casing electrically from a terminal contact passing through the cap.
Carbon fluoride, conductive agent, and fluorine contg. plastic are kneaded into a paste which is extruded in the form of a cylinder. The cylinder is cut into lengths to form cylindrical positive electrodes. One of these cylinders is entered into cylindrical casing with a base so that it touches the casing internal surface, and the whole is then dried. The negative electrode, formed of an active light metal is inserted into the positive electrode via a separator. Finally, the opening of the case is sealed. (J52022722)
Battery grid comprises a grid structure of acid proof synthetic resin with a lead or lead alloy film coated on part of a grid rib structure, a connector lug and a portion contiguous thereto.    Grid is of polypropylene which may be reinforced with glass fibres.    In a lead acid storage battery for automobiles and portable equipment. Provides a lightweight battery grid with a long life, the coating not being porous, having a low electrical resistance, and a high resistance to exfoliation.
Galvanic solid state cell, with a solid anode and cathode, at least one of which consists of polyacetylene, contains a solid adduct of an alkylene oxide polymer and an alkali metal salt as electrolyte.    Pref. polyalkylene oxide is polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide. The anode consists of Li-doped polyacetylene. The anion of the alkali metal salt is a Br, I, SCN, BF4, C1O4, CF3CO2, CF3SO3, HgI3 or AsF6 anion.    The cell is lightweight and suitable for miniaturisation and the electrolyte is not a critical constituent. The cell voltage is 1.8 V. The solid organic substances of all the components of the cell rot completely, so that the spent batteries do not cause environmental pollution.
Acetylene high polymers (I) with high electro-conductivity are made by doping acetylene high polymers (II) having a fibril structure with HF2(-) anions (III).    (III) can be used e.g. as H4N.HF2, Bun4N.HF2, Na.HF2, K.HF2, etc. The doping amt. of (III) is 1-40, pref. 2-30, mole% to 1 mole of the repeating unit CH of (II). The doping is effected using electrolytic solns., supporting electrolytes of (III) salts dissolved in non-protic organic solvents with high permittivity, by applying a suitable d.c. voltage (more than 0.8V), using (II) as anodes. Such solvents are e.g. propylene carbonate, gamma-butylolactone, DMSO, etc.    (I) can be used e.g. as electrodes for batteries or as p-type semiconductors.
A solid cathode for a nonaqueous cell comprises Sb2S3; and pref. a binder, esp. PTFE or ethylene acrylic acid copolymer; and pref. a conductive material, esp. C or graphite. A solid nonaqueous cell comprises an anode, pref. Li, K, Na, Mg, Ca or alloy; an electrolyte soln. based on organic solvent, pref. sulpholane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyl-2-oxazolidone; 1,3 dioxolane, 1-2-dimethoxyethane, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, or gamma butyrolactone; and a cathode as above.    The Sb2S3 does not exhibit excessive expansion when fully charged; a cell will deliver its entire 6 electron capacity on low drain conditions (0.15mA/cm2); the electrode discharges at a unipotential level, and delivers a voltage compatible with Zn/MnO and Ag/Ag2O cells; and Sb2S3 is readily available throughout the world.
Reinforced acetylene high polymer shaped article comprises an acetylene high polymer (I) and 10-500, esp. 20-300 pts.wt. per 100 pts.wt. (I) of a fibrous material in sheet form (II). (II) is e.g. a (non)woven or knitted fabric, net or screen of organic high polymer fibres or inorganic fibres, and esp. a net or screen having a 10-400 mesh size (Tyler standard sieve). (I) may be deposited on the (II), or (I) is in a form capable of being pressed integrally with the (II), or (I) is or a fibril or lamellar crystalline structure, esp. with a degree of crystallinity of at least 60%.    Pref. the (II) is electrically conductive and (I) is chemically or electrochemically doped with 2-40 moles of a dopant (III) per mole recurring -CH- unit in the (I), to give a prod. suitable for use as electrodes in prim. and sec. batteries.
Electrochemical cell comprises (a) a metal housing and a cover having a metal terminal passing through it; (b) an electrochemical system in the housing including an electrolyte with a battery stack exposed to it, the electrolyte including a catalytically reducible soluble cathode. The battery stack comprises (i) a cathode structure adjacent the metal housing and working during discharge to catalytically reduce the soluble cathode in the electrolyte; and (ii) an anode structure comprising a metal electrode spaced from the cathode structure and the metal housing; non-conducting member disposed in the electrode; a conductive metal material at the potential of the metal electrode disposed on the non-conducting element and in physical and electrical contact with the metal electrode; at metal jumper element at the potential of the metal electrode; and a chemically stable antiparasitic discharge material on the jumper to prevent catalytic redn. of the soluble cathode in the electrolyte at the surface of the jumper element covered by the antiparasitic discharge material.    Design overcomes the parasitic self discharge catalytic redn. of the electrolyte.
Sleeve for a dry-cell battery casing is made from tubular heat shrinkable film by shrinking the film to fit a mandrel slightly larger than the battery casing, and decorating the sleeve (by printing etc.) before removing the shrunk sleeve from the supporting mandrel for fitting over the battery.    Pref. the tubular sleeving is of oriented flexible PVC, but may be of polyolefin, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester or polyamide film, typically about 0.005 cm thick. The mandrel body is pref. made of or has a non-adherant surface of e.g. PTFE, pref. is about 0.005 cm larger in diam. than a battery casing.    Mandrel provides a smooth surface for forming an attractive sleeve, and can be of optimum firmness for a subsequent hot transfer printing treatment; sleeves shrunk directly on to production casings for batteries follow and reveal any physical blemishes on the casing instead of concealing them. Esp. applicable to casings overlaid with copper and foils black/over-printed with black and silver respectively characteristic or Duracell (RTM).
A cell is sealed with polyamide having an amine number below 8 and located between cell body (12) and cap (11), either as a preformed insulator (13) or as a sealant on the surface of an insulator of similar polyamide. The polyamide is pref. branched-chain and substantially non-tacky.    The sealant provides improved leakage resistance, including resistance to creep from alkaline electrolyte, and is for use e.g. in button cells. Lack of tackiness allows sealant to be conveyed automatically without clogging and assist uniform coating.
Porous membranes are made from sheets of expanded metal or metallic mesh made corrosion resistant by nickel plating, after suitable degreasing and sand blasting, followed by annealing and application of a surface coating to act as a primer for adherance of another layer of matl. One or both faces of the porous metal sheet are then covered with a layer of sintered PTFE previously deposited on to a removable layer of aluminium foil, heat and pressure being used as necessary to bond the interface between the PTFE layer and the treated porous metal support plate.    For making double porous electrodes for fuel cells (air or hydrogen media systems) or heterogeneous catalytic process supports, the catalyst being bonded to the membrane surface. Cheaper alternative to use of supports of sintered nickel or other solid stainless alloys.
The wall of a member fixed in a housing is indented by pyrotechnic primer in the housing to generate a pressure in a confined space adjacent to the wall, with a primer initiator and material engaging the wall to conduct the pressure generated hydrodynamically.    The method is partic. for activating a reserve battery, indentation of the wall fracturing an ampoule of electrolyte. The material is pref. a confined body of silicone rubber free from air interfaces. There may be a pair of reserve batteries within a housing with their walls spaced opposite to each other for indentation simultaneously by the primer. The method provides smooth and uniform deformation and insulates the battery casings from metal fragments or combustion prods. resulting from the detonation.
The impermeability of this material for an aq. salinic electrolyte is enhanced by using a 20-60 micron polyethylene barrier. The outer paper is 60-120 microns thick and has absorption capacity 80-180 g/sq.m. The inner paper is 60-200 microns thick and has absorption capacity 80-250g/sq.m.    The papers absorb electrolyte that can leak from the element in the course of its service. The latter is extended by 30%. The adhesion and the impermeability are trebled. Bul.17/7.5.82. (3pp)
Limited electrolyte battery has a cell pack consisting of absorbent separator interleaved and compressed between electrode plates, electrolyte absorbed in separator and plates in a container having a wall portion in abutting contact with an edge of the cell pack.    The cell has a channel system formed at the interface between the edge of the cell pack and the abutting wall providing at least one passageway to promote uniformity of electrolyte distribution in the cell pack at least during filling the cell with electrolyte.    The channel system may be provided by depressed channels or notches in the container wall running transversely to the direction of extension of the plates and separator. The channel systems may be formed at opposite ends of the cell.    Flow filling techniques do not lead to non-filling of middle portions leaving dry bands as in prior art.
The substrate is used to carry an electrode mass; and is made starting from a laminate. The laminate consists of a thin core sheet or foil (b) made of a polymer resisting attack by H2SO4; and sheet (b) is coated on both sides with a thin lead foil (a,c) resisting attack by H2SO4. The laminate (abc) is provided with rows of slots, and is then stretched to form an expanded laminate, i.e. a grid with holes in which an electrode can be located.    The laminate (abc) provided with the slots is pref. heated before being stretched; and the holes in the grid can be used to retain a lead paste or a lead oxide paste forming an electrode mass.    The electrodes have high mechanical stability, but provide lead-acid accumulators with improved electric properties.
The electrochemical pile which is resistant to excessive charge and sudden discharge is formed from an anode of alkaline-earth metal chosen from Ca, Mg or an alloy free of alkaline metals, pref. pure Ca, a porous current collector, pref. of carbon joined to Teflon and a liq. cathode in contact with the anode and the collector.    The cathode contains a non-organic oxy-haloginide pref. thionyl chloride dissolved in a sol. salt of calcium pref. Ca(AlCl4)2 so that the salt gives a conducting soln. in the solvent. The concn. of the Ca(AlCl4)2 is between 0.5M and 1.5M and pref. the liq. cathode also contains at saturation 1% by volume of SO2.    Pref. the anode and current collector are sepd. by a spacing leaf and coiled to give a cylindrical or helical config. so that several anodes and collectors are in parallel.    Used for high energy electrochemical piles. The pile has very good characteristics at high and low temps. an excellent shelf life, a very high energy density in a high capacity config. and no danger of explosion with rough treatment.
Prepn. comprises (a) forming a reaction mixt. of a polymeric substrate, and an ethylenically unsatd. monomer dissolved in an org. solvent, (b) initiating graft copolymerisation by forming free radicals on the polymer and forming a crosslinked graft fopolymer gel, (c) subjecting the graft copolymer to high shear forces to convert the gel to a thixotropic suspn., (d) forming the thixotropic suspn. into a layer on a support and (e) removing the solvent from the layer to form the film, sheet or coating.    The prods. have lower electrical resistance and better oxidn. resistance than prior art cellulosic membranes of US3427206. The films are dimensionally- and thermally stable and are used as separators in alkaline energy cells. Other uses include ion exchange membranes for use in fuel and water purificn. and dialysis.
Battery cell comprises a first layer of conductive polymer; a layer of cathode material in contact with the first layer of conductive polymer; a layer of ion permeable, electrolyte impermeable insulating material in contact with the layer of cathode material and in contact with the layer of conductive polymer so as to form a complete enclosure around the layer of cathode material; a layer of anode material in contact with the layer of ion permeable insulating material; and a second layer of conductive polymer in contact with the layer of anode material and in contact with the layer of ion permeable insulating material so as to form a complete enclosure round the layer of anode material.    Cell is of simple construction, gives complete protection against dendritic short circuit, limits thermal runaway upon short circuit loading, and is self-contd. so that it needs no additional container or package.
Battery separator is obtd. by graft polymerisation of a hydrophilic monomer on synthetic resin film (stem polymer). Part of the graft polymer made from hydrophilic monomer is crosslinked with diene cpd. Heat resistance and water resistance are improved.    In an example, electron beam (acceleration voltage of 300 KV, 10 mA, 20 Mrad) was irradiated on a low density polyethylene film (25 microns thick, melt index 2.2) in nitrogen gas. The irradiated film was immersed in deoxidised reaction liq. composed of 50 pts. acrylic acid, 7 pts. wt. divinylbenzene, 30 pts. ethylalcohol, 13 pts. water and 0.25 pts. Mohr's salt at 25 deg.C for 1 hr. to give a separator. In the obtd. separator, electric resistance did not increase even after being boiled in 40% KOH aq. soln. (85 mohm.cm), dimensional stability was stable (lengthwise -1%, widthwise +-0%) and heat resistance was improved.
Mfr. of flexible porous alkaline battery separator comprises forming a mixt. of a non-polar thermoplastic based rubber binder of a non-polar thermoplastic based rubber binder, an organic solvent, and a plasticiser which is reactive with the alkaline electrolyte to form a reaction prod. contg. a hydroxyl gp., and/or carboxyl gp. The mixt. is coated onto a flexible non-metallic substrate. The filler particles do not contact one another and both the filler particles and the rubber are unreactive with the electrolyte. The filler comprises 5-15% by wt. of particles with a surface area greater than 25 metres 2/gm between 60% to 95% by wt. of particles with a surface area of 10-25 sq.m/g and between 0% and 23% by wt. of particles having a surface area of less than 10 sq.m/g.    Pref. substrate is (non)woven from asbestos, PVA, nylon or cellulose fibres. Pref. substrate is newsprint. A quoted binder is a three block polymer in which the middle block ethylene-butylene and the end block is polystyrene. Pref. plasticiser is a polyester of ethylene or propylene glycol with adipic acid or azeoleic acid.    The separator is cheap and easy to mfr. and resistant to alkaline electrolyte damage. Zinc dendrite formation is inhibited and the life of Ag-Zn and Ni-Zn batteries extended. Uniform pore distribution gives uniform current density.
Reticulate electrode comprises a compressed, nickel oxide-impregnated, nickel-plated open cell, organic polymer foam with ave. pore dia. of 0.125-50 mils. The electrode is prepd. by electroless deposition of nickel onto an organic polymer foam, pref. polyurethane, having interconnected pores of dia. 0.5-100 mils. The layer is electroplated with Ni and the structure is then impregnated with nickel salt(s) precursor(s) of active nickel oxide, followed by compression to the desired pore size.    Electrode is used in nickel batteries and forms an improved substrate having lower weight which can be rapidly produced at much lower temps. than prior devices.
Prim. cell, esp. a metal-air cell, consists of a planar consumable metal electrode which dips into the electrolyte in a container. A gas diffusion electrode with free access for the gas is placed at a certain distance from its working surface. H2 produced by the electrochemical reaction is accumulated in the electrolyte container and the pressure build-up is utilised for transporting the electrolyte.    A polypropylene mesh cloth surrounds the metal electrode, at least within the range of its active surfaces. This achieves a higher output by intensified transport without any pumps.
A primary cell with a negative lithium electrode and a reducible positive electrode in a metal casing and a glass lead-in bushing has a protective layer on the glass surface towards the interior of the casing. This layer consists of silicone rubber.    Silicone rubber has a satisfactory adhesion to glass as well as to metal and has the over-riding advantage of being compatible with lithium.
A porous plastics battery separator plate comprises a sheet shaped to define an opposing surfaces a set of channels spaced by ridges which run the length of the sheet. The channels are such that they have lateral extensions which encroach into the adjoining ridges.    The channels facilitate release of gas.    The sheet may be of a thermoplastic resin, such as a homo- or polymer of ethylene, propylene, butylene, vinyl chloride and styrene, or of a thermosetting resin such of isoprene, butadiene styrene, phenolic, or an ethylene propylene diene terpolymer.
A gas electrode for metal/gas batteries or fuel cells is made by (a) attaching a porous PTFE film to one face of a conductive screen substrate; (b) depositing a mixt. of Pt powder, PTFE powder and suspending agent on the other face of the substrate; (c) sintering to bond the Pt and PTFE powder and remove the suspending agent; and (d) removing all residues of the suspending agent by soaking the electrode in a bath contg. a first solvent dissolving the residues and a second solvent wetting sintered PTFE powder, and removing soln. residues from the electrode. The battery or fuel cell includes a number of positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, where at least one of positive or negative electrodes is a gas electrode made as above.    Removing residues decreases the likelihood of flooding and generally reduces polarisation, increasing operating efficiency; e.g. polarisation of negative electrodes reduced from 30.1mV to 27.1mV on oxidn., and from -27.3 to -23.5mV on redn. both at 25mA/cm2.
Porous articles formed of C fibres bonded by a resin and with pre-defined zones with pores of different, pre-selected size, are made by (a) forming dry mixts. of C fibres and a heat-hardening resin, the mixts. having the same C:resin ratio but different length:dia. (L:D) ratios of the fibres, where the L:D ratios are chosen to corresp. for each mixt.. with C fibres of pre-selected apparent density; (b) placing known amts. of each mixt. on specific areas of a surface, and (c) compressing and heating the whole to a temp. sufficient to melt the resin and to compress the material to a pre-determined vol., by pressing a first surface element against the material, and maintaining the pressure and temp. to ensure bonding of the fibres so that this pre-determined vol. is retained after releasing the pressure. The pre-selected apparent density of the fibres is such that the zones corresp. to the different mixts. have pores of pre-selected size.    The articles are electrodes for batteries, opt. for fuel cells. Grooved electrodes which do not need waterproofing to control accumulation of electrolyte and flow of reactive gas are provided. No further treatment is needed after forming the article.
The substrate consists of a flat graphitised foil moulded from a mixt. contg. by wt. 65-90% carbon fibres and 10-35% carbon obtd. from a polymer. On one surface of the foil is a row of parallel ribs forming parallel channels extending across the foil. The foil contains pores (a) with average size 25-45 microns; whereas the ribs contain pores (b) with an average size which is 60-75% of that of pores (a).    The foil pref. has a porosity of 67-81%, whereas the ribs have a porosity of 60-81%. The average length of the carbon fibres is pref. 0.19-0.33 mm in the foil, but 0.051-0.19 mm in the ribs. The foil surface not provided with ribs is pref. covered by a catalyst.
Electrode comprises an admixt. of (a) Zn; (b) ZnO having an average surface area 9-10 m2/g; (c) Hg0; and (d) an organic liq. binder prepd. by reacting diacetone acrylamide (DAA) and acrylic acid; formed into a paste and uniformly applied to a current collector.    The Zn0 component pref. contains small amts. Cd and Pb, pref. 0.001-0.002 wt.% of each. It is esp. KADOX-25 (RTM) ZnO, contg. 0.0018% Cd, 0.0017% Pb, and having an average surface area 9.2m2/g. The admixt. pref. contains 19.6 wt.% Zn; 78.15% Zn0; 0.25% Hg0; 2.0% DAA reaction prod. The rechargeable Ni-Zn cell using the electrode is also claimed.    The cycle life of the cell is more than doubled using the high surface area ZnO instead of the conventional ZnO having surface area about 4.0 m2/g.
A tie is an extensible strip (12) with its lateral surface having spaced transverse notches (14), and an elongate fabric reinforcing member (24) in saw-tooth shape and embedded in the strip along its axis so that both strip and member extend when force is applied to the strip ends.    A plate with a hooked end is pref. fixed to each end of the strip, with resilient sheet fixed to the plate free surface, or two plates may be secured to opposite sides of each strip end by a rivet passing through the strip and plates and through a hole in the member. The strip is pref. of elastomer and the reinforcement of polyamide. The arrangement precludes corrosion and stress on the battery.
An anhydrous cell comprises (a) a cathode consisting of a mixt. of polyacetylene powder and electrically conductive material; (b) an organic solvent; (c) a solvent-soluble salt as electrolyte; and (d) an inorganic intercalating anode. The cathode is insoluble in the solvent when the cathode is undoped or p-doped. The solvent is stable to electrochemical decomposition, the anions of the salt being able to p-dope the polyacetylene when a current is supplied to the cell.    The cell has a high energy density and is easily recycled. Use of a polyacetylene cathode increases cell life and rechargeability.
Passivation of a cell having an Li anode, a separator and a cathode current collector in ionically conductive electrolyte contg. a conductive solute in thionyl chloride solvent, is reduced by assembling the cell with a cyanoacrylate sheet adjacent the anode. Alternatively, before assembly (a) the cell anode and the separator are coated with a curable liq. cyanoacrylate cpd. and (b) the cpd. is cured to form an adherent film on anode and separator. In either embodiment, the cells are pref. burned in after assembly, esp. at 50 deg.C. for 24 hr. This specification is a div. ex. US4296185, disclosing the cells.    The cells can be discharged at high rate without passivation and reach operating voltage rapidly after storage, even at elevated temp.
Grid plates are made by extruding strips of electrolyte resistant plastic (polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene) on a belt conveyor and laying on them the conductive metal (lead) grid. After applying to the metal a network of plastic metal or glass fibres, a second layer of plastic strips is applied to register with the first. Press rolls finally combine both plastic strip layers to each other.    This system operates with a high functional reliability and reduces the waste of active material carriers to a min. The plastic strips are securely anchored to the conductive metal grid.
A battery has a casing (12) with at least one terminal (13) close to the casing inner surface, and a contact to penetrate the casing at a weakened point to contact the terminal and be held in place by a clamp. The contact is a sharp metal pin (18) at least partly embedded in a resilient pad which is compressed against the area around the penetration point to form a seal.    The weakened point is pref. a recess and the clamp is a resilient band (10) for locating around the casing and over the contact, or comprises a helical spring. The pad is pref. of silicone rubber in a protective reinforcing housing (16), and the pin base has a transverse flange (13) for pressure application. There is pref. a withdrawable cotter to prevent premature connection, and the contact may have two pins for interconnecting two batteries. The battery is e.g. for a signal light for a buoy or lifebuoy or for use in sea fishing.
Water repellant (I) comprises partially fluorinated graphite of formula CFx (where x is 0-1). (I) has good electrical conductivity and water repellency. It is used to mfr. a gas diffusion electrode having good water repellency and low internal resistance. Used esp. in fuel cells.    In an example, 10 wt.% Pt as catalyst, 15 wt.% CF0.01 and 10 wt.% PTFE as binder were mixed with acetylene black to produce paste. The paste was coated on C fibre cloth and sintered to form a gas diffusion electrode.
A non-aq. cell has an active metal anode, an organic electrolyte soln., and a solid cathode material comprising a cpd. of Pb fluoride and Sn fluoride in the mole ratio 4:1-1:4.    The use of PbSnF4, Pb2SnF6, Pb4SnF10, PbSn4F10 or PbSn2F6 as the cathode material; Li as the anode; and 3-methyl-2-oxazolidone together with THF (opt. methyl-substd.), dioxolane, dimethoxy-ethane, dimethyl-isoxazole, diethyl carbonate, ethylene glycol sulphite, dioxane or dimethyl sulphite as the electrolyte soln. is claimed.    The cell is useful for battery-operated devices such as computerised games. The cathode material is ideally suited for non-aq. cell systems.
A solid cathode material comprises a metal sulphide of formula Ma(Fe)bSc, where M is at least one of Co, Ni, Sn, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cd, Hg and Ag; Fe is divalent iron; a and b are each greater than 0, provided that a+b = 2 when M is divalent and a+b = 3 when M is monovalent; and c = 2.    PbFeS2, CoFeS2, (Co)0.5(Fe)1.5S2 and (Co)1.5(Fe)0.5S2 are claimed as the sulphide.    The material is useful in non-aq. cells also contg. an active anode and organic electrolyte soln. The cells can be employed in battery-powered devices such as computerised games.
In an electrochemical cell with 2 or 3 fluid compartments that are sepd. by 1 or 2 non-selective porous membranes, the ion selectivity of the membrane(s) is modified by (a) passing ions through the membrane and (b) migrating a polyelectrolyte disposed in a fluid of at least 1 of the compartments towards and forming an ionic barrier at the membrane in response to the ionic flow. The polyelectrolyte causes only selective ions to pass through the membrane.    A battery that is rechargeable and comprising a zinc-bromine system is claimed. The induced ion selectivity improves the coulombic efficiency of the cell. Pref. membranes are microporous, of sulphonated- or carboxylated polystyrene and are negatively, positively or amphoterically charged. Fluid may be circulated in the compartments.
A component comprises a fully graphitised sheet of gas-porous thermosetting resin bonded carbon fibres. The sheet is of generally constant thickness and has a density in edge regions 2-3 times greater than in the central region. The edge regions have a mean pore size less than 10 microns, and an 80% pore size range with an upper limit no more than 20 microns.    The central region top surface pref. has grooves parallel to the edges, and the undersurface having a layer of electrocatalyst bonded to it. There may be a gas-impervious fully graphitized plate resin-bonded to one surface of the sheet. The densified edge regions provide an improved gas seal during operation when soaked with electrolyte. The sheet is e.g. of 30% phenolic resin and 70% carbon fibres.
Laminate O2 cathode, comprising a wet proofing layer contg. PTFE particles, an active layer contg. C particles and a current distributor, is operated by feeding the O2-contg. gas to the cathode at blow-through pressure, pref. at 2-15 psig.    Pref., the C particles contain an Pt or Ag catalyst, and the O2 contg. gas is O2 or CO2-free air.    The cathode is pref. the cathode of a chlor-alkali cell, where O2 is consumed to avoid H2 generation, increasing current efficiency. Operating at blow-through pressure, rather than lower conventional bubble through pressure, reduces operating potential, e . to -228 mV at 9.5 psig compared with -530 mV at nonblow-through conditions. The method is also useful for metal air cells, esp. Al-air, and other gas-solid-liq. systems, e.g. fuel cells.
Electrochemical cells using powdered metal anodes such as zinc, alkaline electrolytes such as KOH soln. and metal oxide cathodes such as MnO2, HgO and silver oxides, are made with the addn. of a suspending agent to give the electrolyte solns. pseudoplastic yield and to maintain the zinc particles in suspension. Suitable suspending agents are poly(meth)acrylic acid and its salts, esp. Na polyacrylate; styrene-maleic acid copolymers; ethylene-maleic acid copolymers; and vinyl ester and ether copolymers with maleic and crotonic acids.    Test cells made using these suspending agents have equivalent or superior performance to cells made using sodium CMC as gelling and suspending agent as previously known, the latter giving reduced cell conductivity and high rate discharge efficiency, esp. at low temps., when used in high enough concn. to retard electrolyte leakage effectively.
An electrolyte electrode assembly (10) for use in an electrochemical cell is formed by applying a dispersion of a perfluorocarbon copolymer (20) in a solvating dispersion medium to an electrode structure (15) having interstices (25). The copolymer contains sulphonyl, carbonyl or phosphorus based pendant functional gps. The dispersion at least partially coats the electrode structure and bridges the interstices (25). The dispersion medium is then removed.    The electrolyte electrode assembly is used for batteries, fuel cells and electrolytic cells, e.g. for producing chlorine. The fluoropolymer (20) acts as a membrane sepg. the cell and also forms a solid polymer electrolyte between the electrode (15) and an adjacent electrode of opposite polarity.
A battery with a negative Li electrode has a positive electrode in which the active material (I) consists of gamma-MnO2 made by the oxidising heat treatment of alpha-MnO(OH). Material (I) is pref. made by heating alpha-MnO(OH) in a stream of oxygen at 270-290, esp. 280 deg.C to obtain gamma-MnO2, which is then mixed with (wt.%) 5-10% graphite and 1-4% PTFE powder. The mixt. is pressed in a die to obtain a positive electrode.    The advantage is that the gamma-MnO2 provides a substantial increase in the specific current yield as compared with other types of MnO2.
Plating soln. contg. Pt, Cd. e.g. chloroplatinate, an Ir cpd, e.g. Ir chloride, and hydrazine is adjusted to pH 5-6 and held at one surface of an ion-exchange membrane, while an alkali soln. is diffused from the opposite surface of the membrane. The platinum and iridium compounds are reduced by hydrazine in the presence of the permeating alkali, to form plating layer of Pt and Ir on the former surface of the membrane.    The ion-exchange membrane on which the electrode is formed is useful in SPE electrolysis or a fuel cell. The consumption ratio of Ir is saved by the formation of a Pt-Ir alloy layer, while keeping its efficiency. The reduction of the Ir chloride in an alkaline state is accelerated by presence of Pt acting an catalyst.
A Pt layer is formed on the surface of an ion-exchange membrane and then coated with Ir formed by the redn. of an iridium cpd. with hydrazine. Ir cpd. may be iridium chloride.    The ion-exchange membrane on which the metallic electrode is formed is useful in SPE electrolysis or a fuel cell. Although Ir has oxygen overvoltage lower than that of Pt, it is difficult to form an Ir layer of desired thickness. This difficulty is now eliminated by preforming a Pt layer on the ion-exchange membrane. The Pt layer acts as the catalyst to accelerate the reaction of reducing and pptg. Ir.
Fuel cell appts. includes (a) an enclosed space; (b) two spaced hollow electrically conductive electrode enclosures in the space, each open at both ends and contg. electrically conductive pellets retained by screens; and (c) external connections to electrodes.    The appts. is operated by (i) passing aq. electrolyte at elevated pressure sequentially and axially through the enclosures; (ii) supplying oxidising gas to one end of the first enclosure; (iii) supplying fuel, pref. aq. slurry of fuel particles, to the region between electrodes or inside the second enclosure; and (iv) flowing electrolyte fast enough to fluidise the pellets and transport ions formed at the first electrode into the second electrode enclosure.    The cells may be used for electricity or prod. generation, located in disused boreholes for operation at elevated temp. and press. for high rate, with high safety factors and low heat loss.
Compsn. comprises in wt.%: (a) 0.45-5.5 organic water soluble binder with a viscosity less than 10,000 poises at 20 deg. C and decomposing at 1-0-500 deg. C (pref. pref. PVA, (b) 1.5-4 starch decomposing at 250-535 deg. C pref. cornstarch, the decompsn. temp. of the binder and starch being at least 50 deg. C apart; (c) 1.5-3.5 cellulose; (d) 0.5-2 dispersant pref. NH3 neutralised condensed naphthalene sulphonic acid; (e) 7-11 water; (f) 75-89 refractory (calcia stabilised ZrO2).    Used for forming a fired ceramic tube sealed with a ceramic plug of one end for fuel cells. Strong, high electrical resistance tubes which do not cure during firing are obtd.
Combined electrical insulator and gas seal for use between a reactant gas plenum and a fuel cell stack consists of straight and angled segments connected by sliding splines to form a frame with seals on each face engaging the gas plenum and the cell stack.    The splines pref. comprise keys which slide across the thickness of the segments and engage the seals, the spline keys and the seals pref. form a labyrinth path for minimising gas leakage.    Insulator/seal minimises lateral movement between cell stack and gas plenum walls and absorbs difference in expansion between frame material and the members it is sealing.
Fuel element for a liq. fuel cell has the fuel chemically or physically treated so it assumes a non-fluidised state, and can be returned to the intial liq. fuel at any time by physical or chemical means. The liq. fuel is pref. adsorbed by an adsorbing agent or chemically reacted with another substance to form solid salts or polymers. The fuel element is pref. contained in a cartridge, esp. wrapped in a fibrous substrate and contained in a cartridqe.    A liq. fuel cell contains an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte between them, and has a detachable cartridge contg. a fuel element as above attached to the cell via a check valve preventing electrolyte flowing back into the fuel cartridge.    The fuel cell can be used by ordinary people, as there is no risk of fuel leakage. The cartridge is supplied with fuel in solidified form, and is activated after attachment by adding water and/or heat to render the fuel liq. and activated the cell. The graph shows operation of such a cell, at 40mA/cm2, using an air blower to supply air oxidant, with the fuel element renewed at A and B.
Prepn. of iron powder suitable for prepg. the Fe-K perchlorate heat-powder fuel mixt. used in thermal batteries, comprises prepg. a homogeneous, dense iron oxide hydroxide ppte. by homogneous pptn. from an aq. mixt. of a ferric salt, formic or sulphuric acid, ammonium hydroxide and urea as pptg. agent; and then reducing the dense iron oxide hydroxide by treatment with H2 to prepare the Fe powder.
Electrochemical system comprises an electrochemical cell having electrodes and two compartments sepd. by an ion exchange membrane and contg. water based electrolytes at least one of which contains a complexing agent and a salt of a multivalent metal whose order of potential for redox couples in water is reversed by the addition of the complexing agent pref. having a boiling temp. of 30-90 C, in an amount sufficient to cause the reversal.    The complexing agent is present in at least that amount. The electrolyte contg. the complexing agent is converted with a third electrolyte during operation of the cell. Means are provided for regenerating the electrolyte in a sequence of steps including heating to remove at least part of the complexing agent to reverse the order of potentials, and form a fourth electrolyte. Further means are provided for adding the complexing agent to a fifth electrolyte derived from the electrolytes in the cell to form the original electrolyte.    The method utilises low grade heat at fairly low temps. (i.e. below 400 deg. C and pref. below 200 deg. C) from heat sources such as solar collectors or from industrial operations with energy savings. The system does not require distn. of the metal salt in the electrolyte as in prior art, and does not use the regenerative energy to decompose reaction prods. to reform the initial electrolytes.
Solid membrane (2) having selective anion-permeability is arranged in close contact with a positive electrode (4), while a negative electrode (3) is arranged in direct close contact or in indirect contact through a liq. electrolyte with the solid membrane. Hydrogen gas is introduced into fuel chamber (5) of this fuel cell while Cl gas or a Cl-contg. liq. is introduced into chamber (6) as oxidising agent. Electricity is formed between the positive and negative electrodes, and HCl formed in the fuel chamber is contacted with water or dil. hydrochloric acid (15) to prepare hydrochloric acid (16).    High-purity hydrochloric acid is thus prepd. without the useless disposal of reaction heat formed in the fuel cell. Since HCl is formed in the fuel chamber using the solid membrane, H gas is easily sepd. by absorption of the formed HCl in water or dil. hydrochloric acid. DC power formed in the fuel cell may be utilised for electrolysing alkali chloride soln. as the source of Cl and H.
A one piece integral reactor is described, for use in a fuel cell, comprising a number of stacked planar parallel sheets of fluid impermeable, oxygen ion permeable solid electrolyte. Each sheet has a number of parallel elongated channels sepd. by ribs. The sheets are divided into two groups interposed alternately, the channels of the first group forming an angle with the channels of the second group.    The channels of the first group contain a catalystic oxygen-dissociating material while those of the second group contain a catalyst for promoting oxidation reactions.    Electrolyte surface to reactor volume ratios of 10cm2 electrolyte per cm3 of reactor volume are possible, a factor of 10 higher than those of prior art, leading to high power densities. (First major country equivalent to J58137973-A)
An electrolytic soln. having a conductivity at least 0.05 (ohm cm)-1 at room temp. for use in a redox system comprises (a) acetonitrile or propylene carbonate nonaqueous solvent; and (b) at least 0.5 mol.% complex salt electrolyte, including 2,2'-dipyridyl or 1.10 phenanthroline and ions of Fe, Ru or Os, dissolved in the nonaqueous solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The soln. is useful in an electrolytic cell, esp. fa rechargeable battery. It has good electrical conductivity, and does not cause unnecessary swelling of ion exchange membrane in the cell, ensuring a long life for the membrane. It is not strongly acidic or alkaline like aq. redox solns., so does not attack electrodes or the cell container or form an oxide film on electrodes, and is harmless. (First major country equivalent to J58133788-A)
A molten carbonate fuel cell comprises (a) a pair of electrodes; (b) a porous body impregnated with a metal carbonate (mixt.) electrolyte sandwiched between the electrodes, comprising a refractory, non-electron-conductive inorganic material contg. sufficient Li titanate to stabilise the material at operating temp.; (c) an oxidant passage supplying oxidant gas to one electrode; and (d) a fuel passage supplying H2-enriched fuel gas to the other electrode. The porous body pref. contains 50 wt.% or more Li titanate, up to 100% Li titanate. The Li titanate may be in the form of fibres and/or powder, pref. with 3 (esp. 10) wt.% or more fibres, remainder powder. The Li titanate fibres are pref. 1 micron or less average dia., 10-100 micron long. The electrolyte body pref. comprises 30-60 wt.% electrolyte retaining material, 70-40 wt.% electrolyte to 100 wt.%.    The electrolyte body remains stable in long term contact with corrosive alkali metal carbonates and has excellent mechanical strength. It remains crack free after frequent heat cycles and provides stable long term operation, e.g. no noticeable performance drop after 100 hr. successive operation, and no gas crossover or gas leakage from the wet seal after repeated operation and shut-down (650-300 deg.C). (First major country equivalent to J58131662-A)
A qas is electrochemically reacted with a liq. in an electrochemical cell having at least two electrodes sepd. by a liq. permeable separator, where at least one electrode is porous and self draining and supports the separator.    The cell is operated by (a) flowing gas into (a portion of) the pores of the self-draining electrode; (b) controllably flowing liq. through the separator and into the self-draining electrode at a rate = drainage rate of the electrode and in an amt. sufficient to fill only a portion of the electrode pores; (c) electrochemically reacting the gas with the liq. to form at least one nonvolatile prod.; and (d) removing electrochemical prods. from the self-draining electrode. The amt. and rate of liq. flowing through the separator is pref. controlled by (i) adjusting the area of the separator contacted by the liq.; or (ii) adjusting the atmospheric press. exerted on the liq..    The electrode pores are neither completely gas filled nor flooded by electrolyte, both slowing down the reaction. The method is useful for prodn. of H2O2, or prodn. of Cl2 and caustic, or in fuel cells for energy generation.
A graphitised C-contg. component for an electrochemical cell is prepd. by (a) intimately mixing C with an aq. soln. of boric acid; (b) removing water from the mixt.; and (c) heating in an inert atmos. at a temp. sufficient to graphitise the mixt., pref. at 1000-2500 deg. C.    In an alternative embodiment, the C is mixed with an aq. soln. of Si oxide or Si silicate, and the pref. graphitisation temp. for (c) is 1400-2500 deg. C.    A fuel cell includes a component of graphitised C doped with B or Si, pref. characterised by a half unit cell c dimension of less than 3.47 Angstroms. The component may be the cathode, a current collector or a separator plate.    The carbon component has enhanced corrosion resistance and is esp. useful in an acid electrolyte fuel cell operated at above 200 deg. C. Corrosion current is smaller (e.g. 0.0019-0.0029 mA/mg compared with 0.0049mA/mg, after 1000 min.) and surface area retention is higher, e.g. 92-95m2/g compared with 65m2/g).
Electrolytic system is claimed comprising anode, cathode, and at least one electrolyte contg. trifluoromethane sulphonic acid (TFMSA) in soln. Pref. one of the electrodes at least is composed of a porous, gas-fed structure, and incorporates a catalyst of Au, Pt, Pd, Ag or spinels of Ni or Co.    The system is claimed for mfr. of gas, esp. Cl2, for salt electrolysis for obtg. cations and as a metal air battery or fuel cell. The TFMSA lowers the cathode polarisation.
Chemically regenerable redox fuel cell is described in which the oxidant is O2 and the fuel H2. The cell uses a catholyte soln. which is reoxidised from a reduced state to an oxidised state by direct exposure to oxygen. The cell also uses an anolyte soln. which is reduced by direct exposure to H2.    A structure is provided for containing the soln. in separate containers and for providing O2 to the catholyte and H2 to the anolyte. A cationic exchange membrane is enclosed in a housing and provided with volumes on either side of the membrane to accomodate the soln., together with necessary plumbing and electrical systems needed to supply the gases and solns. and to obtain from the cationic exchange membrane the electrical potential generated.    The method avoids an expensive catalysed three-phase conventional electrode so keeping costs to a min. while retaining high efficiency.
Planar, fluid-impermeable ceramic sheet is described having two parallel major surfaces and number of parallel load-bearing ribs originating in the first surface and extending perpendicularly from it to a uniform height. The ribs define channels for transporting gaseous materials when the sheets are stacked upon each other. The sheet is composed of a solid electrolyte material capable of transporting oxygen ions. The channels are coated with a continuous layer of electrically conductive material for catalysing chemical reactions in the gases transported through the channels.    The ceramic sheets are used in fuel cell reactors operating on H2 or CO2 as fuel. Electrolyte surface to reactor volume ratios of 10 are possible i.e. an order of magnitude greater than those of prior art, leading to higher power densities.
High temp. solid electrolyte fuel cell generator comprises (a) a housing with several chambers including generator and combustion prod. chambers; (b) a porous barrier sepg. these two chambers; (c) several elongated annular fuel cells each having an electrochemically active length disposed inside the generator chamber (d) appts. for flowing first gaseous reactant through the annular fuel cells and through the porous separator into the combustion prod. chamber; (e) appts. flowing second gaseous reactant into the generator chamber, about the fuel cells, and through the porous barrier into the combustion prod. chamber; (f) appts. for segregating the two gaseous reactant prior to entry of each into the combustion prod. chamber.    The system is less complex than the prior art shell and tube heat exchanger type structures and does not need such complex sealing as the prior art system. The system provides a large degree of freedom in thermal expansion of components. Fuel combinant communication is primarily between depleted fuel and depleted oxidant and hence can be controlled.
Process for improving the catalyst yield in a chemical reaction catalysed by Pt, in which the redn. of oxygen is a limiting factor of the rate, comprises increasing the rate of chemical reaction by augmenting the electron density state in the Fermi level of the Pt catalyst. Pref. the electron density is increased by alloying the Pt catalyst.    The modified catalysts are esp. useful for increasing the efficiency of electrochemical oxidation reactions such as energy cells in which energy produced by reaction of a fuel with an oxidising agent is converted directly into electrical energy.
Fuel cell temp. control assembly comprises an outer valve member including three ports; two which receive supply gas at two different temps. and a third which connects to the input port of the fuel cell. An inner valve cylinder has an input coupling port and output coupling port, and is movably mounted in the outer valve member. The input port overlaps the first two ports of the outer valve member and the output port communicates with the third port of the outer valve member.    The assembly is simple and can control start-up flue gas delivery as well as supply gas delivery during cell operation, enabling temp. control to be maintained from start-up to full operation.
A pack has a number of cells held together by securements within the pack. There are pref. one or more passages through the pack and the securements are within the passages and comprise solidified high-strength adhesive and/or a dowel pin, rivet, screw or bolt.    There may also be high-strength adhesive in peripheral contacting surface areas of adjacent cells, and the securements also hold a cooling plate in position on each end of the pack with the plates having channels to carry a cooling gas. The arrangement eliminates external mechanical connectors which would make the pack bulky and difficult to handle.
Fuel cell has an anode section including an anode terminal, an anode fuel supply and an anolyte containing negative and positive charged anolyte ions, a cathode section including a cathode terminal, an electron distributing device and a catholyte containing negative and positive charged catholyte ions, an ion exchange section between the anode and cathode sections, and including an ionolyte containing negative and positive charged ionolyte ions, a first ion transfer membrane between the anolyte and ionolyte and a second ion transfer membrane between the ionolyte and the catholyte.    An electric circuit is connected between the anode and cathode terminals. The anolyte is such that when certain anolyte ions of one charge are removed from it, remaining anolyte ions of the other charge react with the anode fuel to generate free electrons, the catholyte is such that when electrons are added to it, certain ionolyte ions of one charge move to combine with it, and the ionolyte is such that the certain anolyte ions of one charge removed from the anolyte move to and combine with it, those certain ionolyte ions of one charge are released by it, the first membrane allows movement of the certain anolyte ions of one charge through it, the second membrane allows movement of the certain ionolyte ions of one charge through it.    Chemical reactions in the anode and cathode sections is sustained by upsetting the chemical equilibrium in the sections by movement of ions or electrons through the membranes to or from the ionolyte.
Fuel cell comprises (a) a number of stacked unit cells each comprising a pair of gas diffusion electrodes with a matrix contg. electrolyte soln. between electrodes; (b) an interconnector having a fuel gas passage on one surface and and oxidising gas passages on the other, between each adjacent pair of unit cells; and (c) at least one cooling pipe (23) coated with an insulating film embedded in at least one interconnector (22), which interconnector is a one mould prod.    The insulator film is pref. electrostatically coated. It is pref. fluorocarbon polymer, esp. PTFE, and is pref. heated above its softening point after electrostatic coating. The interconnector is thinner than conventional adhered mating pair interconnectors, e.g. 10 mm and the pipe makes good contact with interconnector, instead of 13 mm giving improved cooling efficiency.
Fuel cell has a housing defining a chamber with a removable cover (17) contg. at least one air cathode (7) an expandable and contractable member (1) at least one consumable reactive metal anode (4) movable within the chamber and located between the member (1) and the air-cathode (7). The consumable anode (4) has a sheet like configuration and is positioned with a peripheral edge adjacent the removable cover (17) of the housing, and a current collector (6) is positioned within the chamber intermediate the anode and air cathode with electrolyte directed through the housing intermediate the anode and the air cathode.    The expandable and contractable member is controlled by apply an even pressure to the anode to move it toward the air cathode and maintain the anode in constant contact with the current collector during consumption of the anode, and is contracted when a new consumable anode is placed in the housing via the removable cover.    Used for fuel cell having consumable reactive metal anode and air cathode. Anode is easily and quickly inserted, the old anode is completely consumed, and the anode is simple with no attached hardware or electrical connections. A compact lightweight system maintains close electrode spacing with even pressure applied to the full surface of the metal anode to maintain good contact to the metal anode.
Fuel cell assembly has an electrolyte matrix (10) situated between two electrodes (11,12) with two plates (17,18) adjacent the electrodes and defining therewith two chambers for carrying respective process gases. Electrolyte is carried through the first plate into communication with the matrix and through the second plate, using an elongate groove (19) in the second plate (18), the groove being in communication with the matrix, a first passage (22) for carrying electrolyte through the first plate (17) and for communicating with the groove at a first point, and a second passage (21) communicating with the groove at a point exclusive of the first point and carrying electrolyte exclusively through the second plate.    Electrolyte fed to the first or second passage (21,22) is constrained to pass through the length of the groove between the first and second points so the electrolyte is assured of passing through the cell for entry into the matrix.
Chemical energy is converted into electrical energy by continuously reacting an anodic reactant contacting an anode with a cathodic reactant contacting a cathode, where both reactants are gaseous at room temp. and are reacted through a solid heteropoly acid electrolyte. Before contacting the reactants with anode and cathode, they are each passed through pools of satd. aq. soln. of a selected salt retained in a fixed temp. range and released int o a closed empty space bordering the pools to acquire fixed relative humidities. The gaseous reactants are maintained at a humidity ensuring stability of the electrolyte hydrate crystals, for stable operation of the fuel cell for long periods, e.g. over 1000 hr. without need for temp. adjustement.
The method involves polarisation and determination of the quantity of electricity, and subsequent mathematical calculation of the parameters, with polarisation in a soln. of alkali metal salt of concn. 0.1-10N, using a setup consisting of a rectangular pulse generator (1), potentiostat (2), electrochemical cell (3), double oscillograph (4), and integrating device (5).    The device is useful in the electrical industry, especially for chemical current sources and electroplating processes, e.g. in determining the structural characteristics of porous electrodes, which are widely used in accumulators with sintered electrodes, fuel elements, and electrolysers, and has wider scope than previous methods because of the increase in the number of characteristics of the porous elements determined, i.e. determination of the specific surface, porosity, and pore dimensions. Bul. 23/23.6.82.
Matrix material, esp. for carbonate melt fuel cells, contains (40-45 vol.%) particles which are inert towards the carbonate melt and have a particle size of under 1 micron, (min. 15 vol.%) ceramic particles with a particle size of over 25 microns and an organic polymeric binder (polyvinylbutyral) in an amt. of min. 35 vol.%.    The inert material consists of Li aluminate and the ceramic particles of alumina. A thin flexible matrix can be made easily by casting, unlike the usual matrices which are costly to produce by pressing, are brittle and require accurate tolerances.
Matrix material, esp. for a carbonate melt fuel cell, consists of a finely porous, gas permeable, anode-stable metal layer (1b), which has a porosity of 25-35 vol.% and is connected with a matrix tape (1a). This contains (40-45 vol.%) particles which are inert towards a carbonate melt electrolyte and have a particle size of under 1 micron, (min. 15 vol.%) ceramic particles with a particle size of over 25 microns and min. 25 vol.% organic polymeric binder (polyvinylbutyral) and is flexible at room temp.    The inert material pref. consists of Li aluminate and the ceramic particles of alumina.    The material is not brittle and has satisfactory stability.
In a joint between a metal substrate and ceramic tubes, e.g. as used in high temp. vapour-phase electrolysis, ceramic tubes are mounted on metal connecting pieces. The dias. are dimensioned so that there is a gap between tube and connecting piece at room temp., whereas a force-locking, gas-tight connecting joint is formed at operating temp., e.g. about 950 deg. C, through the different coeffts. of expansion. Pref. ceramics are ZrO2 or Al2O3 and the metals can be 'Incoloy 800' (RTM) or 'Inconel 601' (RTM).    Joint is used in a high temp. fuel cell battery. Few, relatively cheap materials can be used. The assembly is simple.
Possibility of precision and high output production of punched printed circuit board by a punch of complex shape, obtained by electroerosion process from hardened steel blank, is ensured by application of the following procedure for producing the punch. From the blank plate made of any difficult to machine material, such as hardened steel, cutting alloy, etc., is cut by electroerosion the tool-electrode (1) for machining the punch, using the wire tool-electrode (3) connected to the negative pole of d.c. source, under the following conditions: working voltage, 30 V, idle run voltage 100 V, mean working current 250 A, capacitance 0.05 mF, working liquid - distilled water (in appt. of 4531F3 type). Using the produced tool electrode (1) the blanking punch (5) is made by the electroerosion method from plate (4) on appts. 4G721M under the working conditions: frequency of pulses, 200 c/s, working current 15 A, working voltage 15 V, idle run voltage 56 V, pulse duty factor 1.5.    Then, on the same appts., the male section (2) cut off in production of the electrode tool (1) is used as an electrode tool to erode the face end of the punch (5) leaving the cutting edge (6), using now working current 3A, mean working voltage 2.5 V, pulse duty factor 2.5 with frequency pulses and idle run voltage as in the machining of the punch. Bul.21/7.6.82
A fuel cell comprises a pair of gas diffusion electrodes with an electrolyte retaining matrix between them comprising (a) 30-90 wt.% electronically insulating material unreactive with phosphoric acid; and (b) 10-70 wt.% inorganic binder. The material (a) is pref. an inorganic material, esp. SiC, as 0.1-10 micron particles. The material (b) is pref. a metal phosphate, esp. Zr phospate. The fuel cell electrolyte is pref. phosphoric acid.    A phosphoric acid type fuel cell is prepd. using a matrix formed by (i) preparing a mixt. of substance (a) and phosphate forming inorganic material, pref. metal oxide or metal salt; (ii) adding phosphoric acid in at least the amt. required to form a phosphate by reaction with the inorganic material; and (c) heating to 100-250 deg.C to form the phosphate.    The matrix has much greater affinity and retaining capacity for phosphoric acid then conventional SiC-PTFE matrixes, giving only slight redn. of voltage with increased current density or operating time. The graph shows voltage with time for the present (C) and conventional (D) matrixes.
Catalyst (I) is obtd. by (1) supporting CuO on a porous active alumina; (2) calcining at 700-1000 (800-900)deg.C; and (3) reducing at 200-350 (250-300) deg.C.    Activated alumina is pref. soaked in an aq. soln. of cupper nitrate, and dried at 100-200 deg.C for 1-5 hrs. and then calcined at 400-600 deg.C for 1-5 hrs., the alumina, pref. having a specific surface above 50 m2/g. It is then calcined at 700-1000 deg.C in air for 1-7 (2-5)hrs. The redn. in (3) is pref. performed in a hydrogen-nitrogen mixt. at 200-350 deg.C for 5-20 (7-15) hrs.    (I) is used for the prodn. of H2-rich gas by reforming methanol. (I) is esp. used for methanol-reforming in a compact phosphate-type fuel cell. The content of CO in the reformed gas can be reduced to below 0.8 vol.% when (I) is used.
Fuel cell battery has an acidic electrolyte between and contacting an oxidant electrode and a fuel electrode, where the battery reaction produces water at the oxidant electrode and is conducted at less than 80 deg.C. or less. The battery is operated by (i) feeding O2-contg. gas to the oxidant electrode and fuel to the fuel electrode; and (ii) controlling vapour press. and flow rate of the O2 contg. gas so it is sufficient to remove water formed on the oxidant electrode.    In a first embodiment, the reaction is at 100 deg.C, or less, CO2 gas is formed at the fuel electrode and O2-contg. gas flow rate is controlled so it is greater than or = 5 x 10 power (-0.3 square root T) x I(1/min.cell); where T= temp. of gas at outlet of oxidant chamber in deg.C and I= battery current in amps.    Water does not accumulate on the surface of the oxidant electrode and/or fuel access to the fuel electrode is ensured without need for an opening limiting cell orientation or a fuel circulation system.
Continuous removal of NH3 gas from a gas stream is carried out with a bed of solid porous material wetted with an acid, so that the NH3 is converted to an NH4 salt. This salt is converted continuously into acid, N2 and H2 gas by keeping the porous material at an electro-chemical potential high enough for the oxidn. of the NH4 salt to the acid.    The gas stream consists of H2. The acid is H3PO4, the salt NH4H2PO4 and the porous material carbon, whilst the potential is ca. 0.7-1.0 V. It is also possible to use a layer of porous electrically insulating material contg. acid neat a gas-permeable anode, to which a potential is applied for the oxidn. of the NH4 salt. In this case, the anode consists of C and the electrically insulating layer of a pool of H3PO4, SiC impregnated with H3PO4 or polyarylsulphone impregnated with H3PO4.    The acid can be regenerated in the absence of O2, allowing contin-ous regeneration of the absorber in the presence of fuel gas (H2) of fuel cells.
A fuel cell generator comprising interconnected annular solid oxide fuel cells, each including a porous anode contg. a catalyst and a porous cathode, is operated by (a) flowing oxidant adjacent the cathode; and (b) flowing a reactant reformable to H2 and/or CO in the presence of the catalyst, adjacent the anode. More specifically, the generator comprises (i) a housing surrounding a generator chamber and a combustion prod. chamber sepd. by a porous barrier; and (ii) annular fuel cells in the generator chamber, each having an active length and pref. an inactive length, with a porous Co and/or Ni outer surface. A first gaseous reactant is flowed through the cells and a second is flowed about the cells, both then passing into the combustion prod. chamber through the barrier and being segregated from direct contact before entry into the prod. chamber. The second, reformable reactant pref. flows about the inactive length, then the active length of the fuel cell. Heat required for reformation is supplied by heat generated in the fuel cell, increasing efficiency by about 25% for CH4 compared with cells having prior reformation, and reducing cooling requirements, e.g. by about 40%.
Portable gas generators for supplying gas to fuel cells, are provided with gravitationally-operated valves at the inlets of the tubes feeding the cells, so that the generator can supply gas, irrespective of its orientation, through the upper valve .    The generator may be of the Kipp type and employ H2O2 and Pt or water and NaClH4 to produce O2. Prodn. of H2S, CO2 and H2 is also included. Kipp generator can be automatically self-regulating.
Power plant has fuel cells (10) with a device (20,21) which supplies air to the cathodes (12) of the cells and a device (40) which produces hydrogen by reaction of a fuel with steam and supplies the hydrogen to the anodes (14) of the cells, combustion energy of an unreacted gas of the cells (10) being afforded to the hydrogen producing device (40) and the air supplying device (20, 21).    The water content of the gases emitted from the cathodes and anodes of the cells is condensed and revapourised by an first arrangement (60, 61, 103) and the resulting steam is supplied to the hydrogen producing device (40), while a second arrangement (50, 110) temporarily accumulates heat generated by the fuel cells and supplies it to a device (30) in order to vapourise the water in the first arrangement (60, 61, 103).    Used in a fuel cell power generation system. Temp. of fuel cells can be held constant irrespective of the load of the cells, therefore the required power can be immediately generated on a load demand and the cell performance can be held constant and the lifetime can be prolonged owing to reduced thermal shocks. Since the waste energy can be recovered the power generation efficiency is improved.
The conductor consists of a zeolite which includes cations contg. protons. The zeolite also contains six-membered rings and/or larger rings as sec. structural elements; and in the crystal lattice channels of the zeolite is a phase (a) which promotes the transport of protons. Phase (a) is pref. a polar phase which not only fills the lattice channels but also projects outwards to form a monomolecular layer (a1) on the surfaces of the crystals. Alternatively, the quantity of phase (a) is pref. insufficient to fill the lattice channels. Phase (a) is pref. water and/or an alcohol. Phase (a) pref. has a diffusion coefft. of min. 10 power minus 15/sq.cm/second. The cations are pref. ammonium(NH4)+; (H30)+; (N2H5)+; or the cation of an organic amine.    The solid zeolite is pref. used as the separator or electrolyte for prim.- or sec.- electrochemical cells; fuel cells; electrolysis cells; electrochromic visual display indicators; and electronic memory elements.
Fuel cell (12 or 14) uses a liquid electrolyte and has anode (20) and cathode (22) electrodes and a matrix (16,18) sandwiched between plates (26), a pair of spaced electrolyte fill openings extend through the plate and the matrix the fill openings in the matrix (52,54) being offset from and partially aligned with the fill openings (56,58) in the plates.    Used as fuel cell having a non-circulating replenishable electrolyte and which is one of the components of a stack of fuel cells. Flow rate of electrolyte in the stack is restricted so the flow rate of the electrolyte is maintained substantially evenly to each fuel cell, and the flow mechanism relies upon a small pressure head in each cell to saturate the area around the matrix and then in turn to saturate all of the matrix.
Methanol fuel cell comprises (a) a positive electrode (2) the first major surface of which lies in contact with an oxygen contg. gas; (b) a hydrogen ion and/or hydronium ion conductive solid film (3) having one of its two major surfaces in close contact with the second major surface of the positive electrode (2) and which has a methanol permeability of at most 10 power -6 mol./mm.cm2; (c) a negative electrode (1) which has two major surfaces the first in close contact with the second major surface of the solid film (3); and (d) methanol fuel (4) which lies in direct contact with the second major surface of the negative electrode (1).
A component comprises a fully graphitised sheet of gas-porous thermosetting resin bonded carbon fibres. The sheet is of generally constant thickness and has a density in edge regions 2-3 times greater than in the central region. The edge regions have a mean pore size less than 10 microns, and an 80% pore size range with an upper limit no more than 20 microns.    The central region top surface pref. has grooves parallel to the edges, and the undersurface having a layer of electrocatalyst bonded to it. There may be a gas-impervious fully graphitized plate resin-bonded to one surface of the sheet. The densified edge regions provide an improved gas seal during operation when soaked with electrolyte. The sheet is e.g. of 30% phenolic resin and 70% carbon fibres.
The support consists of a layer(a) of metal wires of threads spaced apart from each other, and bonded electrically and mechanically to a layer of sintered metal(b). Layer(a) is pref. a metal foam; and layers(a,b) are pref. made of the same metal, esp. nickel. Alternatively, layer(a) is made of a metal coated with Ni, and layer(b) is made of Ni. Layer(a) is pref. impregnated with a catalyst promoting electrochemical reactions. The support is pref. made by spraying layer(a) on one surface with a soln. of metal powder(b) and then sintering the latter. Alternatively, layer(a) may be placed on a metal powder(b) in a die, followed by sintering layer(b).    As compared with similar conventional electrodes, the invention provides improved rigidity, and better transverse conductivity.
One or more open, rectangular frames are supported for rotation around a vertical axis. Each frame loosely supports the ends of a flexible, rectangular sail with the plane of the sail in a vertical orientation. A fixed vertical sail guide device operates in conjunction with each frame for guiding the sail as it slides over the guide device.    The amount of sail surface area as well as the side of the sail exposed to the fluid flow is caused to change cyclically and each frame and its corresponding sail is thus caused to rotate and provide a mechanical drive source when the fluid motor is appropriately positioned in a fluid stream as, for example, in a stream of wind or water. The appts. pref. drives an electric generator shaft or a pump.
Electric power generating hydro-accumulator has additional top and bottom interconnected reservoirs to increase the stations efficiency. The top sealed reservoir (1) feeds the power turbines complex (2) which is connected (7) through a valve (8) to the used water collecting vented reservoir (3). An additional top reservoir (4) is connected (10) to the sealed bottom reservoir (5) which is in turn connected to the reservoir (1). Initially, the installation is filled with water except reservoir (4) which is empty whilst the reservoir (1) contents are pressurised with gas.    When the complex (2) is started, the water from the reservoir (3) is pumped to the reservoir (1) pushing the gas out which in turn pumps the water from the reservoir (5) to the top reservoir (4). When the reservoir (3) is empty and the system is fully charged, the complex (2) is stopped and the valve (8) closed. The system is discharged and power is generated by opening the valve (8). Bul. 31/23.8.82.
The panel structure consists of a number of panel sections mounted edge to edge along parallel hinge lines by hinges which allow the panels to be collapsed accordian fashion toward a support. The panels are attached to and deployed by an extendable boom which is extended from and retractable to the support. In the deployed configuration, the panels are extended to form a planar surface in which the boom is essentially coplanar.    The panel sections are formed from layers of thin film insulative substrate which is stiffened with ribs formed into the substrate during the manufacturing process. The hinges are formed of the same material as the substrate and bonded to the edges of the panel. The bonding is accomplished while the panels are in the folded, face-to-face position such that maximum stored energy and out-of-plane stiffness is available in the deployed configuration configuration. Power from the solar cells is collected by a ribbon cabling system integrally or separately formed with the substrate and hinge system so as to minimize stowed size and mechanical complexity.
The device comprises a turbine bed and a turbine wheel which comprises a central rotor and a number of turbines blades. A forward shield is positioned to permit current flow on the exposed turbine blades while shielding the opposite blades of the turbine wheel. The turbine blade comprises sections which are hinged in such a manner that they automatically extend when exposed to current flow for maximum drive and that they automatically fold for minimum resistance when travelling against water pressure.    The device operates with a supplementary turbine device comprising a water wheel rotably mounted in a buoyant platform which is held at the surface by an anchored pillar.
One face of the panel is defined by self-supporting plate which is used as a base where the crystals are floated on transparent elastomeric layer, pref. formed by a clear gel. The clear gel layer may comprise two individual sub-layers applied successively and used for supporting the crystals and for guiding interconnecting electrical elements between the crystals.    The supporting plate forms the light receiving surface and is transparent. Behind the crystals and overlaying the surface of the clear gel, is another elastomeric layer as a sealant which should be comparatively robust and may be opaque.
The electronic control system for a high power load is provided with several parallel current paths divided into two groups (11-12), with control devices (Q1-Qn) in the current paths of one group each having a current limiting resistor (13). Control devices (Q21,Q22) in the current paths of the other group each have no current limiting resistor, so that when the control devices of the second group are turned fully on, a short circuit is achieved by the arrangement of parallel current paths. Separate but coordinated control signals (1,2) are provided by suitable means (P1-P3) to first turn on the control devices of the first group. Their conduction is increased toward saturation as a function of control input.    When fully on, or shortly before, the control devices of the second group are turned on and their conduction is increased toward saturation as a function of the control input as that input continues to increase.
The water driven power plant consists of a dam (1) with an upper water inlet (3) and water driven turbine (10) sited inside an upper water duct (7). The latter is constructed from an armoured or protected plastic compound tube and has a control valve or thruster (8) in the vicinity of the turbine generator (10).    The water upstream of the dam (1) flows via the water inlet into the upper duct (7) so that the height difference between the upper water level (2) and the lower water level (4) downstream is used as the pressure head. If the flow speed of the water is from one to two metres per second, correct adjustment of the turbine blades produces electricity economically irrespective of the water level. Since the upper duct is constructed from a plastic tube, its internal surface has a much lower roughness coefficient of its internal surface than concrete or iron, hence reducing frictional losses.
The unit comprises a generator (1) and turbine (2) with mechanism to disconnect their shafts from each other, this being in the form of a disc coupling (3) with triangular radial splines, oil pump (4) and support unit for generator and turbine.    To enable the shafts of the generator and turbine to be connected and disconnected while the machine is running, the support unit is in the form of a two-row footstep bearing with hydraulic supports (5,6). There is a separate supply for each row of supports, from the oil pump. This enables the generator to be used as a synchronous compensator without stopping the unit. Bul. 24/30.6.82.
The system comprises a matrix support member having a metallic foil. The metallic foil has two layers of polymeric material disposed on opposite sides of the foil and a number of cavities at spaced locations in the support member and extending at least through the foil. A spherical semiconductor cell is disposed in each cavity, each cell having a P-type region and an N-type region, the N-type region contacts the metallic foil within the respective cavity. A conductive device is disposed along one side of the support member for contacting the P-type region of each cell. Each contact to the P-type region comprises a predetermined resistive element. (First major country equivalent to J58054684)
The generation plant has a turbine wheel (1) mechanically coupled to a compressor (2) providing compressed air. The latter is fed to an intermediate store (4), with the stored compressed air subsequently used to drive an air turbine (6) driving an electricity generator (7). The turbine wheel rotor may be coupled to the compressor (2) either directly or via an intermediate gearing.    Pref. the line (5) between the compressed air store (4) and the generator turbine (6) includes a valve (8) which remains closed until the press within the store (4) reaches a threshold value and electricity is required, with the valve again being closed when there is no further demand for electricity.
The solar-cell module has a hologram (1) dispersing the received solar radiation and directing it onto photocells (2-4) each having a different specified sensitivity. The hologram is made using light sources of different wavelength and splits up the solar radiation into beams each received by the solar cell most sensitive to its wavelength.    Alternatively, the hologram may consist of two parts - a transmission hologram and a reflection hologram. The reflection hologram lies opposite the transmission hologram and receives light from it and reflects it onto the photocells. The advantage lies in efficient conversion and efficient use of photocell material.
A catamaran-type vessel having two floats a deck and an anchoring point carries on a crossbar a pivoted sweeping arm terminated in a gate. It is maintained in alignment with the current in a river or stream by a tail vane on one float. The current impinges on a pivoting flap under the crossbar with a linkage to a cam which, when released from a leverloperated locking mechanism, urges the arm into reciprocating angular movement.    Two pumps are operated to raise water into a circular overhead reservoir, whence it descends via a pipe to drive a hydraulic turbine coupled to an electric generator. The outflow may be directed into an irrigation system or to a water distribution station.
The solar cell or similar thin-film device has a substrate (20), a first electrode pattern (21'), a thin-film (23), and a second electrode pattern (25). The thin-film lies on selected parts of the first electrode pattern and the exposed parts of the substrate. The thin-film has a given pattern and contains at least one diffused zone (24) that contacts at least part of the first electrode pattern.    The second electrode pattern lies in a selected part of the thin film and contacts the upper end of the diffused zone so that the latter connects the two electrode patterns. The thin-film is amorphous silicon with a needle structure. The substrate and the first electrode pattern are transparent. The advantage lies in ready integration.
The energy extraction unit consists in simple form of two wheels with their main axes parallel and separated by a suitable distance. One wheel is coupled by a drive shaft to a work machine or generator. An endless rotating belt, with a number of aerofoil shaped bodies protruding at regular intervals on its surface, extends over the two wheels and drives them when in motion. The wheels have corresp. recesses which allow the profiled sections protruding inside the belt to be taken up as they pass over the wheels during rotation.    The profiled bodies are set up with their control surface vertical to the plane of the belt and are all at the same angle to its plane. With this form, which differs from the usual circular cross section, it is possible to extract energy from a relatively slow flowing medium.
The solar cell consists of two regions of silicon (10,12) forming a p-n (or n-p) junction, and presents a network of conducting electrodes and bus-bar interconnections which are applied to the solar cell in a single immersion soldering operation. One or more bus-bars (30-40) are connected to the conducting surfaces (32,22) which may be pre-metallised surfaces or conducting grids, by means of an adhesive and solder. Several adhesion points (36,26) are spaced along the solar cell between the bus-bar and the solar cell with solder (34,24) between the adhesion points and under the bus-bar.    The mfg. procedure has two stages. Firstly the bus-bar is joined to the pre-metallised solar cell by an adhesive at the adhesive points. The system is then immersed in solder which flows between the bus-bar and the solar cell by capillary action. Projections (28,42) of the bus-bars permit the interconnection of solar cells to form a solar panel.
The solar power station has plates (22,23) mounted directly onto horizontal supports (96-107) that are held by two or more masts or columns (45). The plates hold solar collectors and/or solar cells. The horizontal supports are high enough from the ground to prevent buildings, trees, mountains, etc. casting a shadow on the plates.    The distance of the lowest support from the ground is at least 2 metres. The masts are separated by at least 1 metre so that the ground beneath the array can be used. The plates are positioned so that one does not cast a shadow on another.
The water wheel has flow-sensitive hinged paddles. The flow of water moves each paddle into a near-horizontal position when it is at the top centre of the wheel. In this position, it offers little resistance to the flow of water and therefore does not impede the rotation of the wheel on its axle.    As the wheel rotates, the paddle remains horizontal until it is at the point nearest to the water source. At this point, the free end of the paddle comes to rest on a bar across the inner concentric ring of the wheel. The force of water keeps the paddle pressed against the stop bar, until it is nearly horizontal again, when the paddle's weight coupled with the direction of flow swing the paddle on its hinge through 180 degrees. The wheel can be used to drive a dynamo or alternator.
Regulator comprises an electromagnet with supply circuit, acting with a sprung executive (control) slide valve connected via a servomotor to a lever transmission, activating and main slide valves with servomotor for the stator, and via a combiner link and auxiliary activating and main slide valves to the servomotor for the turbine wheel blades.    For reliable operation during load-shedding and starting, it has a contact for stator position in the electromagnet circuit, with a rate relay, the contacts of which are in parallel with the stator position contact; and a servomotor for the combiner, hydraulically connected to the executive slidevalve.    This improves reliability, since in load-shedding, the switching off of the electromagnet, and also the switching on during stopping, takes place due to the reduction in speed, not from the complete closure of the blades, and the stator blades are turned. Bul.20/ 30.5.82. (4pp)
The water turbine for power generation equipment is used to put the set into synchronous compensator regime. It comprises a pneumatic accumulator (1) connected by a pipeline (2) with a lock (3) to the turbine wheel chamber (4). To reduce consumption of compressed air in forcing the water out of the turbine wheel chamber, the lock has a regulator (5) with lower water level transducer (6), and pneumatic accumulator air pressure transducer (7) connected to it.    The regulator (5) processes the readings and opens the lock (3) only for the time needed for the water to be forced out of the chamber (4). Bul. 20/30.5.82.
The plant includes a pumped storage power station with hydraulic generating set, on the same shaft (1) of which are a reversible pump-turbine (2) and electric generator (3); and a thermal power station, which has a steam turbine (4) and steam generator (5). For efficiency in pumping regime of the hydraulic generating set, the steam turbine is on the shaft of the pump-turbine, and is connected to the steam generator of the thermal power station.    In turbine regime, the steam turbine is disconnected by the coupling (7) from the shaft (1). In pumping regime, the steam turbine (4) is connected up and produces electricity. The generator (3) can be used as a synchronous compensator. Bul. 20/30.5.82.
Support system for a frame of solar energy panels supported between masts. The design minimises rotary oscillations during high winds and is intended for large installations in mountainous regions. The method could also be used for smaller military installations and also for ship mounted ones. Two side masts (41,42) with top pulleys (43,44) carry a support cable (35) which has hanging supports (9,9a) with a rotational bearing (10,10a) at the centre onto which the solar panel (1,1a,2,2a,3,3a) frames are hung.    The feature is the rotational support cable arrangements (45,45a) on additional mast pulleys (46,46a) which are attached at the outer sides of the solar panel array and which operate in conjunction with a cable centre adjustment (55) to enable the panels to be rotated to the best advantage for power generation.
The cell comprises a number of discrete voltage generating regions, or unit cells, which are formed in a single semiconductor wafer (10) and are connected together so that the voltages of the individual cells are additive. The unit cells comprise doped regions of opposite conductivity types (30,32) separated by a gap. The V-shaped grooves (16) are formed in the wafer and the wafer is oriented so that ions of one conductivity type can be implanted in one face (e.g. 16a) of the groove while the other face (e.g. 16b) is shielded. A metallisation layer (22) is applied and selectively etched away to provide connections between the unit cells. The advantage of the fabrication method is that the metallisation is performed without implantation.
The system consists of large water towers placed in a circle and between which wind-driven turbines are located. Parabolic mirrors and solar-radiation collectors are located on the walls of the towers. The wind turbines drive generators that in turn drive pumps. The pumps force water to raised containers in order to supply water turbines.    The solar-radiation collectors produce steam that drives steam turbines coupled to generators. Wind energy and solar energy is stored to bridge periods with little wind or sun by allowing the pressure of the heater water to increase and by producing hydrogen for compression. A central tower contains the generators, pumps and turbines.
Vertical water turbine alternator set for a power station is compact and light-weight and also easy to install. Its beams are located on the round shaft chords and their ends supported on the foundations. It includes a turbine and alternator set (1-4), the latter with the brakes (5) position five on each beam (6). The motor (4) rotor (7) has a brake disc (8). The ends (10,11) of the beams (6) rest on the foundation (3). The brakes (5) are located on the beams trapezoidal section smaller, top base (12).    The beams are located on the chords of the circular shaft (2) of a diameter D2. This permits positioning the disc (8) and the brakes on a smaller diameter D1. Hence, the alternator (4) can be made with a smaller diameter stator (9) to reduce weight and size and to increase its efficiency. Five brakes can be located on each beam which in addition supports the air guiding panels (15) by means of the levers (14). The design produces a compact arrangement with a space between the turbine and the motor for maintenance access. Bul.16/30.4.82
The structure includes a translucent member covering an opening in the roof of a building. Elongated solar cells supported within the walls, beneath the roof spaced from the translucent member so as to absorb solar energy passing through. The solar cells are rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A flat plate thermal solar collector is fixadly supported apart from the solar cells to absorb heat energy passing through the translucent member. The solar cell arrangement comprises interconnected elongated solar cell segments parallel to the translucent member. Each segment has collector strips with a pair of parallel conductors for negative and positive leads for the segments.
The semiconductor material has two opposite faces through one of which beam of radiation can enter and from the other of which it can emerge. Spaced end electrodes are in contact with the block, one adjacent to each of the opposite faces. At least two intermediate electrodes are in contact with the block, arranged intermediate and spaced from the end electrodes and spaced from each other, with an impedance connecting the end electrodes.    The change in sensitivity of the detector with the position of the beam in the block can be made small. Pref. the semiconductor material is germanium and is bar-shaped with circular. Each electrode is pref. a ring electrode making contact with the block at every point along the inside of electrode, and lying in a plane parallel with the planes of the opposite faces.
The generating system converts the flow of liquid to electric power. It includes several multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pumps, and a liquid heater operable to heat a second liquid to a fixed hot temperature. A liquid cooler cools a third liquid to a fixed cool temperature.    A hydraulic-to-mechanical power conversion device converts the flow of the first liquid to mechanical power with its input connected to the output of the heat-powered pumps. Its output is connected to the input of the heat-powered pumps. A mechanical-to-electrical power conversion device produces electric power.
A black body is formed by a series of hollow components fitted with air baffles. This black body is closed, at the front, by a single or multiple glazing, and at the back, by an insulating layer. The air from the room to be conditioned enters through a lower pipe and returns to the room through an upper pipe.    Cold air can enter, controlled by a valve. Another valve controls the hot air flow so that part or allof it can leave through an aperture. At the bottom, a channel collects the condensation water and evacuates it through a pipe. A series of photovoltaic cells is mounted at the top of the panel.
The method of obtaining energy from solar radiation uses a layer of photocells supported by a spherical or parabolic surface. The sun's rays are then concentrated onto a tubular shaped energy converter supported at their focal point. This forms a secondary converter, and can be an absorber.    In a second design the parabolic array concentrates the radiation onto a single focal point formed by a device which converts the radiation into electrical energy The supporting surface can be carried by a support which is driven to follow the path of the radiation. All the photocells are coated with a selective filter substance. Another design has Fresnel mirror arrangement for the photocells.
Individual solar cells are produced using a Silicon cell that is located between two metallised glass fibre filled epoxy resin layers. A bypass diode connects between the layers and is in parallel to the solar cell. On the top side is a surface coating of plastic.    A number of solar cells are bonded to the surface of an aluminium strip. Interconnection between elements is provided by multi-wire strip connectors bonded to the surface of the elements.
In order to extract maximum power from the flowing water, the installation makes use of water buckets to catch the flow and produce energy when in motion. The water buckets are basket shaped at the rear, and are fixed between two parallel-running, endless drive chains. These chains pass over two drive wheels, one behind the other so that at the finish of the upper travel, the buckets are turned to face the correct direction to catch the water.    Rubber-covered wheels are fixed both sides of the drive chains, and fun on rails, above and below the water level. These help support the free hanging load of the chain drive between driving wheels and relieve the load on the drive axles, to achieve a lower torque. The drive wheels are also hard-rubber covered, for quiet operation and better gripping action.
The system comprises two or more chambers positioned close to tidally influenced water. Each chamber is of a height greater than the maximum tidal height difference. Each chamber is capable of being filled with water, and has a series of vertically arranged ports with each port is controlled by a valve.    A turbine is mounted on a float and positioned so that an inlet for the turbine is capable of receiving water. The water received flows from the ports in sequence as the float rises or falls in response to tidal changes. The operation of the valves and the overall system is monitored and controlled by an electronic control system. A computer monitors tidal height and water flow and controls the operation of the valves to regulate power output.
The panels (1,2) are deformed with complementary indentations in such a way that they are pushed together for jointing. Cross-wise slip is prevented by e.g. a staple. A metallic film deposited on the substrate allows heat and electric current flow across the join.
The screen has two zig-zag folded halves (13) which lie side by side in their folded state and which are coplanar after deployment. The two halves (13) have support struts (14,14') at the top and bottom which pivot outwards away from one another during deployment so that the two halves (13) are moved into the same plane.    Pref. the two halves (13) are pivoted outwards before the screen is folded out, the screen being locked in position once it has been deployed. The solar cell screen is highly compact and does not alter the satellite aspect ratio.
The electrical machine which can be run a synchronous generator or as a pump is a hybrid of a turbine and synchronous generator in that the turbine blades are designed to carry magnetic flux. The blades are made of ferromagnetic material, have pole tips and may be laminated. The blades are preferably of aerofoil section and must be much thicker than conventional turbine blades so as to be capable of carrying the substantial magnetic flux.    Field coils provided at the roots of the blades or around the hub of the rotor carrying the blades generate magnetic flux which is carried up through the blades across air gaps to a stator, which may be a conventional synchronous generator stator, and back through the air gaps and blades. The machine is relatively simple and rugged and has fewer parts than conventional turbine generator combinations particularly in that only a single rotor, rather than two, is necessary.
The system utilises a group of photovoltaic-like panel members, each of which converts solar energy into electrical energy by developing a voltage across opposite terminals in response to and dependent upon its collection of solar energy. These panel members are electrically interconnected together in a specific way which combines their voltages in order to drive a given load.    In addition, individual bypass circuitry is electrically connected with each photovoltaic-like member for diverting current around the latter in the event the resistance between its terminals increases above a certain level, for example due to an open circuit or undesirable shadowing. In this way, a malfunction of one photovoltaic-like member will not disrupt the operation of the overall arrangement. In order to locate these malfunctioning members, the circuitry associated with each includes device for indicating when its bypass circuitry is operating in a bypass mode.
The generator set has a turbine wheel (2) arranged in an axial water current the ends of the turbine blades (3) engaging an outer crown wheel (5) carrying the rotor of an electric generator. The turbine blades (3) can be displaced radially relative to the outer crown wheel (5) and the hub (4) are centred relative to one another via centring rods (6) extending through the turbine blades (3) which are radially displaced by a corresponding amount.    Pref. each rod (6) is displaced by a respective angle lever (11) all of which are carried by an axially displaced ring (10).
A first set of pre-tabbed solar cells are assembled in a predetermined array with at least part of each tab facing upward. Each tab is fixed to a bonding pad on one cell and abuts a bonding pad on an adjacent cell. The cells are held in place with a first vacuum support. The array is then inverted onto a second vacuum support which holds the tabs firmly against the cell pads they abut.    The cells are exposed to radiation to melt and reflow the solder pads for bonding the tab portions not already fixed to bonding pads to these pads. Pref. the inverting step includes squeezing the cells against the tabs to squeeze excess solder in between.
The system includes turbine blades and a hydraulic pump in an axial flow unit which has an annular outer casing through which water flows to drive the turbine blades which in turn drive the pump. The motor, the generator and the reservoir may be located remotely from the axial flow unit. The axial flow unit is pref. U-shaped so that it can be placed inverted over a dam with the legs extending down into the water on opposite sides of the dam.    A priming unit is provided for starting flow of water through the axial flow unit, and the priming unit may pref. include a vacuum pump connected to the casing for pumping air from the casing to draw water up into the legs until water starts flowing by siphon action.
The plant has the water circulated through a fill path for driving a turbine and returned back to the higher level via a return circuit coupled to a vacuum source for raising the water. The return circuit pref. has a vacuum chamber at the top, separated from it by a flexible membrane, with a tap-off line below the vacuum chamber leading to the top of the fall path.    The tap-off line pref. incorporates a pump with a pair of coupled reciprocable pistons. The fall path may be supplied by a series of return circuits in vertical cascade.
The water power unit comprises a throughflow tube through which the driving water passes, at least one inlet tube feeding the throughflow, and an outflow. In the throughflow tube is at last one turbine wheel connected to a drive shaft for an electrical generator (35).    The turbine wheel and generator are directly connected and form, with the drive shaft, a composite unit (19) entirely incorporated inside the throughflow tube. The turbine wheel is in direct contact with flowing water, whilst the generator is in a watertight capsule into which the drive shaft extensdvia extends via a seal. The throughflow tube is vertical, and has a support for the turbine wheel/generator unit. At its top end is an aperture through which the unit can be lowered to locate against the support. Its inflow tubes are connected via side apertures. (Provisional Basic advised week E39)
The appts. controls the operation of a hydraulic machine having runners mounted on a common shaft and movable flow rate adjusting vanes arranged around respective runners. The appts. includes a sensor for detecting the revolving speed of the machine and a generator for comparing the speed signal with a command signal to produce a stroke signal. A driving arrangement then opens or closes the vanes around any selected ones of the runners in accordance with the stroke signal.    A connection is also provided for connecting the stroke signal generator to the drivers associated with the vanes around the other runners in such a manner as to maintain a predetermined relationship between the degree of opening of the vanes associated with the selected runners and that of the vanes associated with the other runners. This arrangement has a reduced number of controlling elements while providing high reliability of control.
The paddle wheel has an automatic immersion depth adjustment system. This uses a power output indicator (5) provided with contacts (6) for operating a motor (7) for driving a pump (8) in dependence on the indicated power output. The pump (8) is coupled to hydraulic setting cylinders (4) at either side of the axis supporting the paddle wheel (2) for adjusting the depth of immersion of the latter.    The automatic adjustment allows the variations in the water level to be compensated.
A converter disperses sunlight over a diffraction grating formed on the surface of a conducting film on a substrate, the angular dispersion controlling the effective grating period so that a matching spectrum of surface plasmons is excited for parallel processing on the film. The plasmons carry energy to an array of inelastic tunnel diodes which are metal-insulator-semiconductor-metal elements sharing the same materials but differing in geometry and tuned by varying the load or geometry to give the operating voltage for each frequency band.    The arrangement converts sunlight directly into electricity more efficiently by extracting more energy from the more energetic photons. Other possible applications of the converter are for laser energy conversion, broadband photodetection, optical information systems or acousto-optical signal processors, and the device can be used e.g. at IR frequencies.
Neutron detector includes a first material which produces energetic reaction particles when bombarded by neutrons. The first material forms a rectifying junction with a semiconducting second material which contains hydrogen and produces energetic free protons when bombarded by neutrons.    The reaction particles and free protons deposit energy in the second material, producing electron-hole pairs. The pairs migrate in opposite directions, so that an electric current flows across the junction. The current is measured to provide an indication of neutron flux.    The device detects fast and thermal neutrons simultaneously. The detector has high sensitivity and provides accurate indications of neutron energy distribution and direction.
A basic self-oscillating Gunn diode is enclosed in a donut shaped silicon ring. The presence of infrared energy will create holes and electrons in the silicon material, altering its conductivity, and lower the power of oscillation. The realised drop in oscillating power identifies the infrared.    Millimeter wave radiation is detected because an intermediate frequency is generated as the Gunn diode operates as a self-oscillating mixer of the new different frequency with its own oscillating frequency. Thus it is possible to detect signals from both ranges, in a single device. A cavity encloses the Gunn diode, one end wall being an optical window of gallium arsenide (GaAs). An RF probe in the cavity acts as a detector for drop in power of oscillation.
(JP92025533-B)      Light sensitive sheet comprises a charge injection blocking layer formed on a support sheet, conductive layer formed on the blocking layer and amorphous Si(1-x)Gex light sensitive layer (x is less than 0.4) formed on the conductive layer.    Used for electrophotographic machines (J58190955-A)
Module has rectangular cells with current collection grids on the light receiving surfaces, each grid having a collector pad adjacent to one cell side. The pads are uniformly spaced and are connected to the undersurface (8) of an adjacent cell by a foil strip (14) bonded to the undersurface by its top surface and having tabs (21) from its opposite edge which are bonded (22) by their undersurfaces to the pad tops.    The foil is pref. about 0.001 inch thick and is secured by electron beam welding. A layer of phenolic resin pref. insulated each surface of the foil and is burned through at contact regions to provide electrical contact. The insulation prevents short circuiting with extremely close cell spacing and the arrangement permits low-cost automated connection of cells.
The hydraulic turbine forms part of a hydraulic power plant comprising a dammed upper water head, delivering to a tail race, with the turbine driving a generator. The turbine and generator are combined into an integral unit, mounted on a pontoon floating on the tail race level.    From the upper water head water is supplied for the turbine by a pipe, or hose, both in a flexible arrangement near the turbine. The design is partic. suitable for small power plants, using transverse flow turbines and small water head gradients. The pontoon mounting obviates concrete foundations. (First major country equivalent to DK8105202)
The rotary turbine wheel (2) has a number of axial paddle blades (3) onto which water is directed from a jet (4,5). The latter is defined by two spaced guide plates (8,10) positioned on two end walls perpendicular to the turbine wheel (2) to provide a tangential current flow with a rectangular cross-section.    The guide plate (10) extending furthest in the current flow direction is acted on by a spring (11) causing it to pivot about a support hinge into a working position in which it is pressed against the turbine wheel (2). The force of the water moving the plate away from the latter against the spring bias.    Pref. the turbine has two adjacent jets (4,5) spaced apart by a common guide plate (9) which is supported by a hinge mounting allowing it to move away from the turbine wheel (2) in response to the water pressure. (First major country equivalent to DK8105201)
The flap-gate is provided within a water passageway of a hydraulic turbine installation. A ceiling of the passageway is provided with a recess sized to receive the flap-gate with a shaft of the flap-gate rotatably mounted within the recess. A plate extends from the shaft to a floor of the passageway to interrupt flow of water through the passageway.    The flap-gate is rotatable away from an inlet end of the passageway to an open position with the plate received within the recess. When in the closed position, the flap-gate is operable, upon failure of the mechanism for rotating the gate, to be urged by the flow of water to a partial open position to permit water flow through the passageway to a turbine runner for initiating operation of the turbine.
The solar cell comprises an arrangement of radiant energy converting cells capable of producing electric energy from incident radiation. The cells are alternated with light reflective fins so that the angle between the fins and the face of the cells is about 115 deg. The cells are mutually parallel as are the fins.    The front faces of the fins are reflective so that they divert energy to the cell faces. The back faces of the fins are coated with a high emmitance coating so that they radiate heat away from the cell assembly. The fins are constructed as a sandwich of several layers; a reflective upper layer, an electrically and thermally conductive layer and a high emmitance coating. The electrically conductive layer is supported by a grid and together they form a conductive path between adjacent cells. The system transmits power to the earth via a micro-wave link, and has a reduced weight and cost.
The flow energy of rivers and streams is converted to rotational mechanical energy using a diverting wall built across part of the width of the stream, forcing the flow to converge into the water wheel enclosures which are hemi-cylindrical cut-outs in a wall, covering half the wheel from the flow but leaving the other half exposed to the flow.    The water wheel has fixed radial arms carrying pivoted blades (8,9). The side of the wheel shielded by the hemi-cylindrical cut-out has the blades in the closed position perpendicular to the radial arm for minimum drag as they move through the water. A fixed gear segment is used to open the blades progressively out to the radial position when the blade is in the main flow, and to withdraw it again as the blade approaches the shielded region.
The energy converter has a flow surface inserted in the current with sharp edges directed against the flow and supporting turbines utilising the turbulence caused by the pressure difference between the upper and lower faces of the flow surface. The turbulence effect is amplified by longitudinal slits extending along the flow surface angled so that the flow through each slit is directed in the same direction as the turbulence rotation.    Pref. the flow surface comprises a delta surface which carries two turbines mounted at either side of its rear edge and formed by a series of tapered blades relatively angled to one another and spaced to define the slits between them.
The photoelectric cell module comprises a flat shallow dish (10) made of clear material, with a rigid transparent glass or synthetic plate (50) fixed over it to define a sealed chamber. A transparent liquid fills the chamber, and a number of photoelectric cells (30) are immersed in the liquid, and attached to the flat base of the container. The cells are joined together in series by electrical connections (32) with two wires passing out through the base for external connection.    The transparent liquid is chosen to have a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, and a low freezing point. It may also absorb radiation outside the normal response range of the cells, and re-emit radiation to which the cells are sensitive.
The foldable solar cell support includes two or more flat panels linked together by hinges, with solar cells mounted in modules on the interior surfaces of the panels. The solar cells together with their electrical connections are encased in a plastic material, reinforced with glass fibre in order to form rigid and free standing modules.    The panels are provided with edges such that when they fold up, a box is formed to surround the panels. Wires from adjacent panels are joined by passing longitudinally through hollow portions of the hinges which join them together. The wires then turn at right angles from the hinge on to each of the folding panels.
The array of polarised energy-generating elements, e.g. batteries, thermoelectric generators, solar cells etc. is arranged as a matrix having rows and columns of elements, with the elements in each row and column being polarised in the same direction. The positive pole of each element in each column is connected to the negative pole of the next adjacent element in the column.    The positive pole of each second element in a column is connected to the positive pole of the corresponding element in one of the two adjacent columns. The positive pole of each alternate second element in a column is connected to the positive pole of the corresponding element in the other of the two adjacent columns. This provides a mathematical equivalent of a tubular matrix of elements and when the elements are solar cells, the problems due to shadowing the array are diminished.
The photovoltaic panel includes a solar panel and a container housing salt hydrate materials. The container is positioned in close proximity to the lower portion of the panel, which has no support-providing bottom wall, so that heat generated during operation of the photovoltaic cells will pass easily to the container for the salt hydrate material.    The heat melts the salt hydrate materials, thereby storing heat in those materials and lowering the operating temperature of the cells with minimal inhibition from the structure of the solar panel. A duct may be provided for distributing the heat from the container to locations remote from it. The duct may be an air duct, and the container may be positioned so that its bottom and its sides are in the path of the fluid in the duct. An impeller may be provided for passing the fluid into and out of contact with the bottom and sides of the container.
The hydroelectric power station water supply tract has supply tunnels (1) in the ends of which there are evening out shafts (2). The turbine water ducts (3), positioned lower down, supply water to the power station building (4). The evening out shafts (2) are joined to each other by an additional water duct (5). To make it possible to perform repairs on one of the tracts, the water duct (5) has a gate (6).    When all the power station's units are working at full power, water level is identical in all shafts (2). If power is reduced or switched off, water level in the left shaft is higher than in the right one, so it flows to the right one along duct (5), increasing the working unit's pressure, allowing less units to work at greater power, so that energy production can be increased or water flow reduced while maintaining set power. Bul.2/15.1.83
A window comprises a frame (6) and a glazing element (2) mounted in the frame (6). The element (2) comprises a rigid sheet (2) of transparent plastics in which is homogeneously dispersed a series of luminescent or phosphorescent materials forming a luminous cascade, the absorption band of which covers a very large part of solar radiation wavelengths and the emission band of which covers a predetermined narrow band.    The element (2) comprises, in the vicinity of at least 2 of its opposite edges, a series of flat photocells (3) the best operating range of which is situated in the narrow emission band of the luminous cascade.    The lower part (8) of the frame (6) has a relatively large width to shield the photocells while its outer part (9) is of reduced width to expose the element (2). Means are provided for connecting the cells (3) to an electrical circuit (5) located outside the frame.    Used for trapping solar heat. The design results in high yield and the cells are completely shielded from view by the frame (2) while the transparent sheet (2) is colourless and does not look different from a conventional glass.
The solar energy collecting assembly consists of a rectangular supporting frame with a number of vane structures mounted in parallel. Each vane structure consits of a Z-shaped bar member of extruded aluminium with an integral conduit at the corner between the lower flange and the web of the bar member. The conduit has extended end portions pivotally engaged through the front and rear supporting frame elemtns and these end portions are clampingly communicatively connected to respective inlet and outlet liquid manifolds located outwardly adjacent the front and rear frame elements.    Each vane structure has a top flange provided with a blackened surface acting as a radiation absorber which generates heat, this heat being conducted to the associated conduit via the adjacent web portion of the bar member. The lower flange has an array of photovoltaic cells mounted thereon which can receive solar radiation either directly or via a plane mirror surface provided on the adjacent web portion of the vane structure.
A control system for the vanes of a hydraulic turbine rotor consists of a servomotor slide valve with a drive, linked to a divergence indicator, and an additional indicator which is linked to the indicator and connected to the slide valve.    The control system is designed for more effective reduction of fluid leaks by ensuring that the servomotor slide valve returns to its central position, and this is done by having the additional slide valve connected to the servomotor slide valve via its drive, while the additional slide valve is of a three-position type.    When a signal at the indicator output exceeds the permitted level it actuates the drive, and the additional slide valve is moved into one of its extreme positions. The main slide valve is then moved from its central position to move the rotor vanes into the appropriate position, after which it returns to its central position and prevents excessive leaks. Bul. 48/30.12.82.
The energy production and/or storage installation comprises turbines (21) which are driven in rotation by water flow and drive an electric generator, with the installation underground at a depth of at least 150 metres.    A water collector is situated at ground level, and water is carried downwards from the collector to the turbines through a descending conduit. The water flow then returns to the surface through an ascending conduit, using pumps placed by the ascending conduit. The water for the turbines is derived from the descending conduit, and the spent water returned to the surface via the ascending conduit. A second turbo-alternator unit is used to generate service supplies.
The power plant has a single speed main pump/turbine and a booster pump operable in series in a pumping operation between the upper reservoir and a lower reservoir. The water head shared by the booster pump is varied depending on a variation in the static head between the two reservoirs for maintaining the operation of the main pump/turbine in a maximum efficiency range.    The difference in water levels in the two reservoirs gives rise to a control signal. This controls the rotating speed of the driving device, so that the pump/turbine operates at maximum pumping efficiency regardless of water levels. There is a water passage on the discharge side of the turbine/pump which opens when turbine/pump is in pump mode. The degree of the opening of the water passage is dependable on the difference in water levels.
This large barge is moored in mid-stream in a fast-flowing, e.g. 5 metres/hour, river, to produce electricity from the kinetic energy of the water flowing past it. Mounted on the stern is a welded steel gantry which supports a large, e.g. 8 metre dia. eight-bladed paddlewheel, on the same axle as a cable drive wheel. The cable wheel drives smaller in-board wheels connected to a system of belts and gears to produce a speed suitable to drive alternators.    The gearing and alternators are mounted in the hold of the barge, while accommodation for operating personnel and stores is built on the deck. The barge can also be moored in a tidal estuary if non-steady generation of electricity is acceptable.
The power generating apparatus uses a (water) to be conducted through a conduit assembly to be discharged from a reservoir and then to be returned to the reservoir. within the conduit system is a pump. Also located within the conduit system is a primary turbine. The moving liquid contacts the primary turbine and produces electrical energy which in turn is to be transmitted to operate a load. After leaving the primary turbine, the moving liquid is conducted through a bypass conduit to operate the secondary turbine. The secondary turbine, in turn, operates a power generating device, such as an alternator to produce electrical energy.    The electrical energy is conducted through a circuit which includes a battery which is electrically connected to operate the pump which is used to move the liquid through the conduit system. A manually operated switch turns the power generating apparatus on and off.
To produce power from the tides blades (2) are set spirally about a shaft or spindle which drives a turbine rotor (5) at its upper end. An arm (7) carrying a weight (9) is affixed to the stator. The position and value of the weight is adjusted as a metronome, which is set and kept in motion by clockwork (8).    When the tide is flowing or ebbing the pressure of water on the spiral blades (2) causes the shaft (1) to rotate, and activate the turbine. When the tide is slack the clockwork metronome swings the shaft to and fro, the resulting pressure of the blades (2) on the water causing the shaft (1) to rotate. The upper and lower edges of each blade are parallel with each other and form the arc of a quadrant of a circle, from the outer edge to the nearest point on the circumference of the spindle, where they merge with it.
The X-radiation detector is for medical or technical equipment and has a line of detector elements secured between two metal strips forming portions of a circle with the radiation source at its centre. Each detector is mounted on a plate so that its ends fit into slots in the two strips, extending between them.    Each element is a rectangular plate attached to an insulating plate with a rectangular opening through it, filled with an adhesive substance. A conductor on one side of the element extends around one side of the opening and an earth line on the other side extends to the other side of the opening. They connect with respective electrode layers formed of different metals.
The generator unit is supported by upper and lower stay columns, respectively. The machine includes a bulb portion which is supported on a centre piece within the intake section of a dam. Forward of the bulb the machine includes a runner cone located within the discharge ring of the draft tube. A runner hub assembly operatively supports a number of angularly adjustable runner blades which radiate from the hub. A number of adjustable wicket gates are supported by an inner gate barrel and an outer gate barrel.    The angularly adjustable wicket gates which control the flow of water to the runner blades are positionable by operation of a gate operating ring. The gate operating ring is movably supported on the outer gate barrel. The wicket gates are operably connected to the gate operating ring, wicket gates are provided with a stem which receive a spacer hub. A lever arm is keyed to the extending end of the gate stem.
The mobile hydro-electric generator set can be positioned under a natural or artificial waterfall to obtain electric energy from the kinetic energy of the water, and may be used to supplement solar conversion during rainy periods or to supply power for a pumping station.    The turbine and alternator are mounted on a wheeled base. The wheels are flanged and run on steel tracks set along either side of the water outflow duct, to permit the water inlet, set in the top of the cylindrical turbine casing, to be positioned directly under the waterfall. An electric motor mounted on the base is used to propel the unit. Power collection is by sliding contacts carried on the mobile unit and running on tracks fixed beside the path of the unit.
The solar generator for a space craft has a flexible surface on which the solar cells are mounted, which can be unrolled or unfolded when ready for operation. This surface is formed of a set of seven sections made of a foil forming a very thin layer on which are formed conductive copper tracks using a photoresist and etching process. Each section is a double section, with solar cell connections along the two outer edges, and between these connection points and each edge are longitudinal conductive tracks with intermediate connection points.    The sections are connected by hinges, the axes of the hinges being across the generator unit. Each section has projecting fingers which interlock with fingers on an adjacent section, and adjacent to the roots of the fingers are rectangular welding zones. Further welding zones are at the tips of the fingers. The lunge elements are between the welding zones.
Solar panel contg. at least one photo-voltaic cell has sheet of hardened aluminium foil bonded to back and may have transparent sheet covering front. Foil sheet forms a hermetic seal with the lower part of the panel. Cell is at least partly embedded in pottant such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate which form a dielectric layer (I). Foil sheet 0.001 inches thick may be laminated between dielectric sheets, is bonded to the cell through (I) and grounded to the conductive frame of panel. Transparent front panel of the panel is made of glass or other rigid material.    Great difference in thermal expansivities of aluminium and glass, typically 23 versus 9 x 1/million per deg. C, results in stress on aluminium during cycling. Hard aluminium has higher yield stress than annealed, typically 22 versus 5 x 1000 psi and is resistant to buckling and rupture caused by stress. Greatest stress occurs below the 'glass transition temp.' of pottant (18 deg. C for PVB) above pottant yield relieves tension.
Hydraulic turbine automatic speed controller design is simplified and interlock accuracy improved by the lock being connected to the stator opening limiter direct link and comprising a cylindrical pin with freedom to move in the collet clamp, which is actuated. Servomotor (4) is interlocked using lever (11), drawbar (12), cable system (14), lever (13), quadrant (15), shaft (16) and lever (17).    Automatic turbine control is achieved through the control system via hydraulic intensifier (1). In automatic condition movement of servomotor (4) is transmitted to pin (19), movement of which allows transmission from the servomotor to valve (3) to remain open and not affect it. If a fault arises, e.g. voltage loss etc. electrohydraulic actuator (21) operates, locking pin (19) in collet (20) to ensure a rigid link between servomotor (4) and valve (3). Bul.40/30.10.82.
The appts. is esp. for exploiting the hydrodynamic energy of a flowing water course or the stored energy of the tides of the sea. A particular example includes a winch, pulleys and ropes linked to a float.
The assembly comprises a safety device consisting of a cylindrical gate valve (6) located between the inlet scroll (1) and the turbine wheel (4). The gate valve (6) is controlled by a system comprising a rod (7), linkages (8), a shaft (9) and levers (91,92) one of which is connected to a counterweight (10) which causes closing of the gate valve in the event of a loss of oil pressure in a jack (11) connected to the other lever for maintaining the gate valve open.    The control system may alternatively cause the gate valve to close in the event of a drop in the electrical voltage of the mains, the jack (11) being supplied with oil by a pump which is electrically driven from the mains.
An optoelectronic semiconductor device package includes a stud for providing an electric connection to one electrode of the device, a lead penetrating the stud for providing an electrical connection to another electrode of the device and an electrical insulator between the stud and lead for maintaining hermatic sealing. A mounting block is secured onto the stud and has a higher thermal conductivity than that of the stud.    The block has an annular bottom electrically connected to the stud and a protruding portion extending from the bottom toward the opposite side of the stud, this portion being positioned to electrically and thermally attach the device to provide light propagation to or from the device in a direction parallel with the stud axis. The bottom has inner and outer edges coaxial to the stud and a cap, with a window transparent to light directed to or from the device, is secured to the stud to form a sealed enclosure for the device. The device may be a laser diode, an l.e.d. or a photodiode..
With the water seal segments in the conventional water seal device, a gap tends to be generated between the inner peripheral surface of the semgnent packing and the outer peripheral surface of a liner of the rotary shaft due to the wear during use and progressively developed. These gaps are minimised between the adjacent segments and guide members interposed between the adjacent segments are solidly secured.    The flow rate of water leakage through the segments is reduced and the segments themselves are improved in mechanical strength, so that the segments can be reduced in size and the water seal device itself can be rendered compact in size. The guide is welded at its peripheral portion.
Each disc has a semiconducting junction which gives rise to a photovoltaic effect situated under a front face of the disc at a depth sufficient to allow the realisation of a conducting grid on this face without altering the junction. The first stage involves the formation of layers of glass on the sealing zones on the back face of a glass plate. This is achieved by serigraphy and curing of a dielectric ink containing a sealing glass for subsequent sealing of the silicon discs. Space is reserved between the sealing layers for the conducting grid. A rear contact (CA) is then realised on the back face of the discs.    The next stage is the realisation of the conducting grid (GC) with branches (GCB) by serigraphy and curing of a conducting ink starting with the reserved spaces. The conducting grid acts as a current collector on the front face of the cells. The silicon discs are then sealed to the glass plate at the sealing zones at a temperature and pressure sufficient to assure calcination of the conducting ink and its electrical contact on the silicon. Finally connections are realised between the rear contacts of the discs and the conducting grids of neighbouring discs and the assembly is coated with a rear protective layer (PR).
The unit uses water or compressed air to drive a turbine. The turbine is mechanically coupled to an alternator which generates 220 Volt alternating current. The alternator output is used to drive a pump which is used to raise the spent water from the turbine to a suitable head for it to be re-circulated and directed once again onto the water turbine.    In addition to the closed cycle described above, a jet of water derived from the town water supply can be used to supplement the power input to the water turbine.
A floating wheel (202) with its axis (XX) horizontal is mounted on a frame (201) and equipped with paddles. It is coupled mechanically to two async. generators (211) on the frame (201) near the ends of the wheel (202). The frame carries a hook on the upstream side connected to a mooring (216) by a cable (219) which allows the wheel to take up a position at an angle to the direction of flow (C).    The orientation of the mooring cable w.r.t. the frame (201) may be varied continuously by a sling over two pulleys (341) jointed to the ends of a stringer (316) on the upstream side. The position of the hook is adjusted by a three-phase servomotor driving the sling to hold the speed of the generators (211) at a nominal value.
The solar energy collector comprises pyramidal-shaped structure extending around and upward from a base, with an opaque wall region of the pyramidal shaped structure extending approx. one-half way around the base. The base and wall region each have a radiant energy reflective inner surface, and the remainder of the pyramidal shaped structure is radiant energy transmissive. An energy absorber, comprising photovoltaic cells, extends around and forms a lower portion of the wall region.    The cells positioned and configured to directly receive a portion of the radiation passing through the transmissive remainder of the structure. The cells also receive some radiation via a path through the transmissive remainder onto the reflective inner surface of the pyramidal structure and then reflected onto the photovoltaic cells. Some radiation is also received via a path through the transmissive remainder of the structure onto the reflective inner surface of the base and then reflected onto the photovoltaic cells, to provide enhanced levels of radiation of the cells.
Photovoltaic devices having a common electrically conductive substrate layer, a semiconductor body deposited on the layer and a transparent electrically conducting layer formed over the semiconductor body are mfd. by: (a) dividing the body into portions electrically isolated from each other; (b) testing the electrical output of each portion; (c) connecting only those portions showing satisfactory output to a conductive strip which provides a contact associated with the semiconductor body; and (d) providing a contact on the substrate layer.    The overall efficiency of the device is improved by connecting only those portions showing satisfactory output. The devices are used in solar cells.
An inverted U tube filled with water is installed over a dam connecting two pools. Water flows from one pool to another through the water tube due to a siphoning effect. The water tube is raised to a certain level so that the pressure at the top of the water tube is lowered to near zero. Then the pressure difference between the outside and the inside top of the water tube is maintained at 1 atmos, regardless of the head difference between the pools.    A strong air suction is created by installing an air tube on the top of the discharge side of a large siphoning tube over a dam to drive air turbines for electricity generation. To facilitate the discharge of air bubbles, the intake air through the air tube is manipulated through a plate with numerous small holes located at the air exit to the water discharge tube so that the air is discharged as small bubbles.
The main water storage is behind a dam wall. The water is released through a turbine into a collecting pond below the wall. A pump driven by a solar energy converter or a wind turbine mounted on top of the dam wall pumps water up from the collecting pond back to the main storage, reducing the cost of energy consumption required to service the pumped storage installation.    Solar energy collectors may be used alternatively in place of the wind powered generator. The arrangement is partic. suited to the climate and geography of Marocco.
The radial gate (10) is disposed within a canal (21) having spaced vertical sidewalls (22,23). The radial gate (10) controls water flow to a runner (26) within a fabricated draft tube assembly (27) of a tube unit (28). The tube unit (28) is disposed within the canal (21) and includes a generator (29) connected to be driven by the runner (26) via a drive shaft (31) through a speed increaser (32). Opening and closing movement of the radial gate (10) is accomplished by means a pair of servomotors (33) and (34) supported on a vertical wall (56) bridging the canal walls (22,23) and connected to the radial gate (10).    The radial gate (10) is provided with the small flap-gate (15) which is independently operable by its own actuator to any position between open and closed positions. Operation of the flap-gate (15) permits a controlled release of a relatively small amount of water so as to obtain the desired water flow to the turbine (28). The flap-gate (15) can be operated with the radial gate (10) in a closed position or at any open position of the radial gate. Thus, fine tuning of water flow through the radial gate can be obtained.
Faster stopping of hydrogenerator from the synchronous compensator made of operation is ensured by opening up the guide vanes of the hydraulic unit when the speed drops to a set level. The speed of the generator is then increased to above the rated speed initiating the application of the brake. The faster stoppage with the automatic control improves the readiness of the unit for work and reduced power losses.    During the regime of a synchronous capacitor, the interlock (4) provides a signal for the speed regulator (6). The arrival of a command for stoppage from loop (1) disconnects the generator from the mains and switches off its excitation, while the interlock (4) prevents uncontrolled speed change to take place. On reaching the level of speed set by the programmer (5), the interlock releases the speed regulator (6) and permits shift of speed level setting to be carried out by the resetter (7). The speed increases to a given point determined by setter (8) followed by command for full opening of the guide vanes by controller (9) while the forced brake is applied by block (10). Bul. 35/23.9.82.
The system controls the operation of a multi-stage (Francis) water turbine or the like with varying load during stable operating condition. A two-stage turbine, for instance, has high-pressure (2) and low-pressure (3) runners on a common shaft (1), the stages being connected (10) in series and each having adjustable inlet guide vanes (15,12).    The opening of the guide vanes of the high or low-pressure stage is controlled as a function of load whilst the vanes of the other stage are controlled as a function of the hydraulic pressure differential between a point (17) between these stages and a point outside either stage, e.g the first stage inlet pressure or the last stage outlet pressure.
The kinetic energy of water streams is used for electric power generation in a device utilising potential energy inherent in different level water heads. The current generating system comprises a turbine and a current generator proper. The entire system is fitted into a buoyant housing, floating on the lower level water head.    The current generator housing is pref. provided in the stream supplied from an upper water head, e.g. a reservoir. A dammed water head may also be used. Alternately, a waterfall provides the necessary stream. The housing may have an inlet funnel whose wide opening accepts the water stream, while its narrow opening faces a turbine inlet. The housing may be guided vertically by appropriate devices in dependence on the variations of the lower water head level.
The semiconductor element comprises a substrate, an applied stress relaxation layer and a semiconductor layer of amorphous silicon, the thermal expansion coefficients of all three being related to one another. The expansion coefficient of the substrate is greater than that of the semiconductor layer and less than that of the relaxation layer when the expansion coefficient of the semiconductor layer is less than that of the substrate, but when that of the substrate is less than that of the semiconductor layer, the expansion coefficient of the substrate is between that of the relaxation layer and the semiconductor layer.    Pref. the substrate is made of glass or a ceramic with a thermal expansion coefficient of not less than 31 x 10 to the power of minus 7 per degree C., of steel with a thermal expansion coefficient of not less than 60 x 10 to the power of minus 7 per deg.C, or of aluminium with a thermal expansion coefficient of not less than 200 x 10 to the power of minus 7 per degree C.
The drive uses suspended weights for delivering the drive force moving up and down a water column which is periodically filled and emptied, each weight being capable of floating so that it moves up and down with the water level in the column. Alternatively, each weight is latched upon reaching the top of the column until the latter is emptied, with the weight then released so that its descending movement can be used to rotate a drive shaft.    Pref. two weights are associated with a common rotary drive shaft moving up and down respective water columns in opposition. so that the shaft is rotated continuously via a one-way coupling associated with a drive chain attached to each weight. The drive can be used to drive an electrical generator or directly coupled to a driven machine.
This electric generator is powered by the kinetic energy of water in an Artesian well or water course. After turning a turbine to drive the generator, the water is re-cycled to increase the water pressure, and hence the flow rate by the 'ejector effect'. This effect is analogous to the lift effect on the wing of an aircraft.    Water flows up to the turbine inlet (2), via a bell-shaped pick-up nozzle (5,4) and a tapered tube (6). The 'water-sheel' type turbine (1) drives the generator (9) via a shaft (14) and a reduction gearbox (10). The water flows from the turbine outlet (3) into a buffer chamber (7), and then through a specially tapered funnel (8), which ends in a vertical pipe under the pick-up bell (4,5).
The solar power module (10) has a panel (11) upon which an array of solar cells (12) is arranged. A frame surrounds the panel which is comprised of two side channels (13) and two end sections (16). The solar cells (12) are arranged in three rows, which electrically feed to a common bus-bar (19).    The panel (11) is supported by the two, spaced-apart side channels and is disposed between two flanges (14,15) respectively, protruding from each channel. The channels have an internal channel defined by flanges. This internal channel secures the head of a mounting bolt such that the module may be mounted without placing a wrench behind the panel.
The solar panel assembly consists of a shallow rectangular housing with a glass top cover, the housing enclosing several side-by-side metal plate members with depending longitudinal webs connecting the plate members to longitudinal liquid flow tubes. The plate members, webs and flow tubes are integrally formed by extrusion. Respective enlarged transverse header tubes are connected by coupling sleeves to the opposite ends of the flow tubes. The header tubes extend through and are secured in opposite side walls of the housing so that the metal plate extrusions are supported in the housing.    The plate members are interlocked in coplanar relationship by slidable tongue-and-groove connections at their longitudinal edges. Silicon photo-voltaic cells are mounted in row-and-column arrays on the plate members. The depending webs are relatively deep and thin to limit the heat flow rate between the solar plate members and the flow tubes. This prevents excessive temperature gradients and thermal stresses at the plate areas carrying the silicon cells and so prevent the cells from cracking. The housing contains heat-insulating material which covers the flow tubes and covers the major portions of the header tubes.
The method utilises a main pump/turbine and a draft bue which contains a booster pump. In a pumping operation, these devices are operated in series and are decelerated according to the following criterion:    (K1/K2) (y2/y1)= approx. unity and K2/K1 is between 0.71 and 1.42.    where K1 and K2 are the time constant of the rotors of the pump/ turbine and the booster pump respectively; and y1 and y2 are the average torques exerted on the respective rotors. Pref. the booster pump resides in a by-pass conduit of the draft tube and the draft tube is closable to allow by-pass to occur.
The pump-turbine unit has successively in the direction of flow during pumping, a turbine wheel, a flow distributor, and a forward flow distributor. The forward flow distributor is made up of a flow stabiliser comprising blades with a curved profile twisted to direct the flow in an axial direction during operation as a pump.    The closer circumferential spacing of the blades leads to higher efficiency arising from reduced losses during pumping and the use of a ratio of blade separation to blade length in the order of 0.8 to 1.6, with a preferred range of 0.9 to 1.2, leads to further improvement in efficiency.
The appts. is designed to extract energy from currents in water. It may use the current in rivers or tidal currents in the sea. It may use the currents caused by breaking waves near the shore. The appts. is simple and does not use any dams or other appliances to generate a large head of water.    The appts. merely consists of elongated roller floating on the surface of the roller. Curved blades are attached to the roller, the direction of curvature being against the flow direction of the current. The roller has a central shaft with an electrical generator geared to it, and the ends of the shaft are connected to a 'A' frame. The apex of the 'A' frame is attached to an anchorage point, so that the roller lies at right angles to the current direction. A single roller may be used, or a series of rollers, one behind the other.
The wide velocity range radial flow turbine wheel, with entry flow radially inward and exhaust flow radially outward, has an efficient integral fluid-dynamic multiple staging system needing no stationary devices for redirecting the fluid. Consequently, there are no clearance problems, and it can be used with all fluids, including contaminated ones. The tangentially-entering fluid stream is captured and trapped in an annular passageway between an outer set of circumferentially mounted blades and carefully coordinated inner set of circumferentially planar surfaces.    Energy is extracted from the stream when the flow direction is changed each time the faster-moving fluid is vectored radially inwardly from a blade to an inner surface, then vectored radially outwardly to the next blade, then to the next inner surface, etc. All the pressure, lift and drag forces contribute to turbine output. Flow of the fluid continues around the annular passageway, which also has integral lateral boundaries, until such time as the relative velocity of the fluid and the rotating blades reaches zero.
The arrangement includes an integrator circuit to accept the comparator output representing the system error and to control the opening and closing of the control valve on the turbine input. The error signal is amplified when its magnitude exceeds high and low thresholds about the zero value.    The upper and lower thresholds are variable as a decreasing function of the magnitude of the instantaneous acceleration of the turbine. The thresholds can also be varied as an increasing function of the speed of the turbine and as a decreasing function of the derivative of the pressure at the input to the turbine.
The generator includes a tubular turbine wheel with blade fastened between a central axle and outer tube. The turbine turns in bearings with stops attached to the discs forming the ends of the stator. The poles of the rotor are attached to the outer tube of the structure. The stator surrounds this rotor and is fixed to the supporting structure.    The bearings and the stops operate with pressurised inert gas. A minimum number of roller bearings are included to ensure correct positioning of the turbine wheel at rest. The space between the rotor and the stator is also filled with inert gas which also ensures its water tightness.
A solar panel has a bottom and side walls forming a tray with an open front to receive light. Photovoltaic cells, positioned in the tray beneath the open front, have light-receiving, upwardly-facing surfaces and electrical contacts for collecting and channelling electrical energy generated by the cells to perform work. The tray bottom is formed of a material that allows heat to pass through it so that heat also generated during operation of the cells passes to and through the tray bottom.    A container houses salt hydrate materials that are solid at ambient temps. of use and can be melted by the heat generated during operation of the cells. The container is releasably positioned close to the tray bottom. The material is thus melted and heat is stored in it while the operating temp. of the cells is lowered.
A concentrating photovoltaic solar collector comprises a reflector with a concave cross-sectional configuration which is used to receive solar radiation and concentrate it at a focus. A photovoltaic cell is positioned on a line extending from the focus to the reflector. It is placed so that its receiving surface faces the reflector. The reflector may be annular in shape and symmetrical about a reference line or it may be of an elongated cross section if the photovoltaic cell array is also of an elongated shape.    The photovoltaic array may be made up of a number of individual cells placed end to end and electrically interconnected. The photovoltaic cells normally require a means for cooling them incorporated in the rear face of the cell. The manner of achieving this is to mount them on an extrusion which provides a passage for the cell coolant fluid.    Increased performance is achieved by increasing light intensity. Cost of reflector is less than that associated with increasing number of cells.
(JP93012870-B)      The element comprises a transparent conductive layer made of In oxide and Sn oxide. The conductive layer is formed on a semiconductor layer having a photoelectric converting function whereby the Sn oxide content reduces away from the semiconductor layer.    USE -   For making solar cells. (J58151073-A)
Gps of photocells linked to electrical leads are mounted on a support panel, of material which is not electrically insulating, and heated to a temp. sufficient to fuse a transparent water-proof insulating material applied as finely divided dry particles by electrostatically assisted spraying. The operating potential relative to the supporting panel is at least 1kV. Means are provided to inhibit cooling of the panel prematurely.    Used esp. for mfr. of solar energy panels for external use, involving large numbers of photocells connected in series, to avoid air entrapment problems associated with enclosures of coatings derived from thermoplastic films or use of liquid coatings. The potentials used are practical, but restricted to levels which will not damage the cells. Thin coherent void-free coatings can be applied relatively quickly. Suitable for applying coatings of polyolefin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl or vinylidene fluorides, polyvinyl butyral, epoxy, polyester or ionomer resins.
Assembly comprises a substrate carrying an adhesive layer of poly(n-butyl) acrylate; a solar cell assembly adhered on one side of the adhesive layer; an encapsulating layer of poly(n-butyl) acrylate on the other side of the solar cell assembly; and an outer weather resistant layer. The poly(n-butyl) acrylate may also contain a polymerised UV stabiliser, esp. poly(5-vinyl, 2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole).    Parent specification US 4374955 (24978 K/10) relates to polymer syrups comprising 40-70 wt.% linear, uncrosslinked poly(n-butyl) acrylate prepolymer and 30-60 wt.% n-butyl acrylate monomer. The syrups are used as adhesives and encapsulants in the solar cell assemblies.
Assembly for laminating large sheets of material (up to 4 ft. by 4 ft.) which require the application of pressure up to one atmos. to be applied to one of the laminate surfaces after heating consists of upper and lower chambers and an intermediate flexible laminate support member. The lower chamber has a steel grid system placed in it with a means for heating the laminate components which are placed on the intermediate section. The radiant energy heaters use reflectors to distribute the radiant energy evenly. When the laminate is placed on the support, vacuum is applied to both upper and lower chambers. Heat is then applied to enable any bonding agents placed between the layers of material, which are to be laminated, to soften sufficiently. After a sufficient time the upper chamber is opened to atmospheric pressure thus establishing a pressure differential which presses the laminate components together.    Lamination of large size sheet material to glass or other substrates as, for example, in the prodn. of solar cell arrays. Extra support during pressurisation is provided by the extra ribbed structure in the lower chamber. Better heating and control of laminate cooling together with selective evacuation improvements.
Solar cells are provided with front surface metallisation and encapsulation by (a) heating the inner surface of a transparent plate (34) to soften it; (b) pressing a mesh of wires (18) fed from spools into the softened surface; and (c) bonding the inner surface of the plate and embedded wires to a semiconductor having front and rear semiconductor strata (12,14) sepd. by a pn junction (22).    The process is pref. continuous and comprises (i) stretching a number of wires (18) over an endless belt; (ii) periodically dispensing at least one metallic strip (28) over and normal to the wires extending over them as the wires are advanced by an indexing motion of the belt; (iii) periodically dispensing a transparent plate over the wires and metal strip(s); (iv) pressing the wire mesh into the softened surface of the plate; (v) periodically dispensing and mating a semiconductor wafer over the wire-contg. surface; and (vi) electrostatically bonding the plate and semiconductor surfaces with the wires making electric contact to the semiconductor.    The method is cost effective, provides good electrical contact with contact resistance e.g. 30 mohm cm2 between the grid and semiconductor, which is maintained over the service life of the cell, estimated at 20 years. Cells have been prepd. having curve fill factors of 0.69 or better.
Amorphous Si contg. hydrogen atoms and 0.0015-5 at%, pref. 0.5-3 at% Al is a good n or i type semiconductor.    In an example a quartz substrate supported by a stainless steel net electrode in a bell jar evacuated to 6 x 10 power minus 5 torr is heated to 400 deg.C while a DC voltage of -4kV is imposed on the electrode. An Si evapn. source and an Al evapn. source, and opt. a dopant source in the jar are resistance heated while H2 is supplied at a rate of 75 cm3/min via a unit contg. a pair of electrodes across which a DC voltage of -600 V is imposed to produce a glow discharge. 16.5 min deposition in these conditions gives a ca. 5000 angstrom thick layer of amorphous Si contg. hydrogen and Al atoms. The Al source is heated to ca. 700 deg.C and the Al deposition rate is controlled e.g. by using Al electrodes above the amorphous Si layer. In one sample contg. 0.1 at% Al and three samples contg. 0.1 at% Al and 0.1 at%, 0.5 at% and 2 at% Sb as dopant, dark conductivity was 5.6 x 10 power minus 12 - 2.2 x 10 power -2 mho.cm, photoconductivity was 5.3 x 10 power minus 6 -2.0 x 10 power minus 4 mho.cm, and the optical gap value was 1.53-1.60 eV.
Method for producing semiconducting esp. Si films on substrate comprises (a) generating a plasma of reactive gas; (b) extracting, accelerating and directing an ion beam from the plasma towards a target of material of which the film is to be formed, the target being in a vacuum chamber; (c) sputtering the target with the ion beam; and
A method is claimed to produce a multi-crystalline Si semiconductor usable for producing a solar battery. Method uses a mould made of C and coated with a compact and high purity SiC film. A release powder is coated on the mould upon use. (First major country equivalent to J58020712-A)
A device is made including sputtering a borosilicate glass target onto (part of) a surface to form a glass layer, using a target prepd. by (a) mixing SiO2 and B2O3, pref. both having at least 90 wt.% particles smaller than 20 microns, pref. by ball milling for 5-15 hr; (b) pref. sintering at 1000-1300 deg.C for 1-10 hr; and (c) heat treating at 1500-2100 (pref. 1600-1900) deg. C for at least 6 (pref. 6-12) hr. The target pref. contains up to 60 mole.% B2O3, balance SiO2. The device having a borosilicate glass layer sputtered from the target is pref. a semiconductor optical device, esp. laser, LED or detector. The surface is pref. III-V semiconductor. Device mfr. pref. includes diffusion at 600-900 deg.C.    The target provides layers of high compositional uniformity, suitable as diffusion barriers or encapsulation during mfr. or as a permanent coating. The glass layer has good transparency and high thermal and chemical stability.
Support panel for solar cells etc. comprises Al honeycomb sheet on the two surfaces of which skin elements are fixed. Each skin element comprises a layer of epoxy resin-reinforced polyparabenzamide fabric plate, and the panel is fixed at one side to a stiffening member of epoxy resin-reinforced carbon fibres.    On the other side of the panel, the exposed skin carries the solar cell assembly, the arrangement being such that the stiffening member, the panel, and the solar cell system all have the same effective coefft. of thermal expansion in a given direction parallel to the surfaces of the skin.    The arrangement is intended particularly for use in spacecraft.
Solar panel comprises a cell behind which is located an electrically conductive layer. A conductive terminal has a flat foot in contact with the cell and a connector portion which projects through an oversized aperture in the conductive layer. A high strength insulating member is located over the foot and extends to connector portion.    Pref. material for the insulation member is PTFE film 0.003 inches thick.    The insulating member prevents line to plane breakdown between the edge of the conductive layer and the foot.
Photovoltaic solar module contains at least one solar cell which is embedded in plastic material and rests on a carrier element. The solar cell itself has been backed by a planar stiff element which is joined to the plastic material enclosing the solar cell. The flexible carrier element can be a galvanised steel wire gauze or netting.    This protects the delicate solar cell itself from bending stresses, yet makes the module flexible enough to attach to curved surfaces.
An amorphous Si film is deposited in the prodn. of semiconductor devices by deposition on a substrate in a plasma atmos. which contains at least H2 and N2. A pref. process comprises reactive sputtering using an Si sputtering target in an atmos. contg. at least a rare gas, H2 and N2, or using an Si sputtering target contg. N2 and/or a reaction prod. of H2 and N2, in an atmos. contg. at least a rare gas and H2.    Used esp. as a photoelectric conversion layer in solar cells, imaging devices, etc. The method enhances the transition of carriers so that photoelectric conversion efficiency is raised even with a low applied field.
Conductive polyacetylene having high stability to heat and O2 contains a dope comprising a salt of a transition metal or of a lanthanide metal, pref. Cr, Ni, Fe, Ti, W, (these being used pref. as chlorides) or Eu or Yb.    An appts. is used comprising a first chamber contg. the poly-acetylene and a second chamber contg. the dope in soln. The latter is transferred under vacuum and by gravity to the first chamber at room temp. and the polymer is kept immersed in the soln. for a period depending on the desired doping and conductivity. The doped polymer is then washed by successive distillations of pure solvent.    The prod. can be used, according to its conductivity, either as an organic conductor or as p-type semiconductor, either on its own, or in combination with an n-type semiconductor. Applications include prodn. of photodiodes and solar cells.
Polymer (I) with at least 2 stable and reversible oxidn. stages with a half potential E1/2 of -1.5 to +1 V contains a lateral 1,9-disubstd. phenalene gp. linked to the main polymer chain in the 9-position.    Pref. (I) is prepd. by reacting a polymer (II) with reactive lateral gps. with a 1,9-disubstd. phenalene of formula (IIIA) or (IIIB) (in which Y is O, NR, S, Se or Te. Z is OR, SR, NH2, -O-(CH2)m-OR, -NH-(CH2)m-OR, -S-(CH2)m-OR, -NH-(CH2)m-NR2, -O-(CH2)m-NR2, -S-(CH2)m-NR2, -O-(CH2)m-CHO or -N2MeF6 with Me being As or Sb. Y' is -OR, -SR or -NR2. Z' is -OR, -SR or -NR2. R is H, 1-5C alkyl, 6-12C cycloalkyl. 7-14C aralkyl and both R gps. in -NR2 can form a cyclic gp. m=1-5).    (I) is specified for use in the electrical industry for the prodn. of electroconductive systems, for converting and fixing radiation, for the prodn. of electric switches and as electrochromic displays; as antistatic finish for plastics; and as reversible redox system. It has strong visible absorption and properties making it useful in a wide field in the electrical industry and chemistry.
A rectangular plate for use as a facing brick or a roof tile, consists of a transparent pane, specially one made of plastic material, in which a fluorescent pigment is distributed. This pane passes the solar radiation and is backed by a non-transparent plate or is enclosed by two silicate glass panes which do not contact it. Semiconductor photocells rearranged at least on one face end of the plastic pane.    Such a plate produces electricity from sunlight and is effective even when only diffused light is present.
A window, esp. a skylight, with panes to transmit solar radiation, esp. panes made of plastic material, includes a pane in which a fluorescent pigment is present in fine distribution. At least one one face end of the pane is equipped with semiconductor photocells.    The fluorescent pane is pref. mounted between two protective glass panes which do not contact it and the space between them is filled with desiccated air or a protective gas. Such windows can be used for the direct generation of electric power.
Increased sensitivity of the photoelectric analyser of polarised radiation in the uv region of the spectrum is ensured by the oriented crystals of binary layered compounds. The photo-detecting surface is based on the compounds of the types A(II) and B2(VII) with the detecting surface parallel to crystal axis.    The crystals used form a three-layer sandwich I-Cd-I which is periodically repeated. When the exciting radiation is perpendicular to the axis C of the crystal, the photocurrent depends on the angle between the electric vector E of the incident light wave and the direction of axis C. The periodicity depends on the anisotropy of absorptivity of crystal structure zone. Bul.9/7.3.82. (2pp)
The solar collector includes an elastic membrane (1) which is provided with a reflecting layer and a second membrane (9) of transparent material. The two membranes define a pressure-tight chamber in the space between them by being held in a retaining ring (3) at their peripheries. The retaining ring is in the form of a wheel which is fixed to a central axle (4) by two cable structures (7,8).    The central axle is connected to be hinged and to be rotatable about a central support bearing (6). Consequently the ring is able to roll along a curved support base (11) to adjust the azimuthal position of the collector so that it can track the motion of the sun. One of the cable structures forms a supporting mesh for the non-reflecting membrane. (Provisional Basic advised in Week 83/29)
The electric power generator system has the capability ofusing solar energy to heat air and drive an electric power generator and which stores excess energy in the form of a fuel rather than electrical energy. The stored fuel is used to heat the air and drive the electric power generator when the amount of solar energy available is not sufficient for the system to meet the external electrical demand load on the system.    Further, the system has the ability to collect a sufficient amount of sunlight when it is available to operate the system. It also tracks the sun so that the max. amount of solar energy is collected and concentrated to heat the air and drive the electric power generator. The system is designed for the air to pass through the rotor driving the electric power generator twice to maximise the use of the air to drive the electric power generator.
One or more open, rectangular frames are supported for rotation around a vertical axis. Each frame loosely supports the ends of a flexible, rectangular sail with the plane of the sail in a vertical orientation. A fixed vertical sail guide device operates in conjunction with each frame for guiding the sail as it slides over the guide device.    The amount of sail surface area as well as the side of the sail exposed to the fluid flow is caused to change cyclically and each frame and its corresponding sail is thus caused to rotate and provide a mechanical drive source when the fluid motor is appropriately positioned in a fluid stream as, for example, in a stream of wind or water. The appts. pref. drives an electric generator shaft or a pump.
The cavity comprises a pair of planar walls joined at an apex and arranged in a V-shape, the mouth of which forms an aperture. All energy entering between the receiver and the cavity structure is redirected onto the receiver, if the optical receiver is emplaced a distance from the cavity not greater than 0.27 r (where r is the radius of the receiver).    Pref. the apex of the V-shaped cavity is a distance h from the tubular receiver so that the angular subtense 2 x alpha of the receiver as seen from the apex is greater than 2 x (38.2 degrees). A portion of each reflective concave sidewall is shaped to assume the max. possible slope consistent with reflecting max. angle energy rays onto the receiver.
The system includes a circular parabolic reflector which is fixedly mounted to a tracking yoke. The tracking yoke is mounted to pivot around an axis by fixing the right end of the tracking yoke to a cylindrical sleeve and the left end to a bearing supported shaft both of which are held by the upper ends of a fixed support.    The lens (32) is positioned by hand focus rays (52) from the sun onto the upper surface of the bar (34). In a preferred embodiment, the bar (34) may be cylindrical in shape and constructed of a material such as aluminium having a black hard anodised finish. Such a finish is adapted to conduct heat along the bar (34) to warm a bimetal helix coil (43) which is wrapped about the bar (34). The coil (54) has an end (56) extending therefrom in such a position as to engage a projection (58) extending from the sleeve (18) so limiting the movement of the coil (54). The change of shape of the element is used to operate a mechanical brake which allows the tracking system to move impelled by the force of gravity to a position in which the sun's rays are directed for effective use.
The light absorbing surface is arranged so that incident electro-magnetic radiation is at least partly absorbed by a surface oriented to receive the radiation, the non-absorbed radiation being diffusely reflected, and the surface having a columnar structure in which the diameter of the individual columns is comparable with that of the incident waves whereby the relative proportions of absorbed and reflected radiation are dependent on the direction in which the surface is viewed.    The columnar structure is preferably produced by vacuum deposition of a metal vapour on a substrate surface positioned to receive the vapour stream at an inclined angle, the background gas in the vacuum chamber and the temperature of the substrate being controlled at a level that promotes the preferred morphology of the columnar structure. In this manner it is possible to produce a surface which appears matt black when viewed in one direction, but diffusely reflecting when viewed in another direction.
The assembly includes a rigid support structure, multiple long reflective strips parallel to each other and horizontally mounted on pivots carried by the support structures and a linear heat collector placed facing the reflectors and parallel to them. A tracking mechanism rotates the reflective strips, as a group, to face the sun as the angle of elevation alters.    The angle of the reflective strips is adjusted to ensure that the incident rays are always concentrated on the collector, requiring that the strips be a differing angles to the horizontal. To ensure maintenance of the correct angular relatively the strips are linked by a bar which displaces them all together when a tracking angle adjustment is made.
The collector tubes are co-planar and parallel to each other and run along the focal zone of the reflector, spanning the area on which solar energy is concentrated as the angle of the sun increases and decreases. The tubes are connected in parallel, and each has a smaller dia. tube running coaxially along its length.    As the fluid is heated its viscosity decreases, allowing a greater flow rate. In this way the fluid flows more strongly in the hotter tubes, thus increasing the energy conversion of the device. The fluid circulation pump is energised by photovoltaic cells, thus providing autonomous operation. The housing is moulded from a single section. The reflectors are supported on ribbed sections which also act to support the absorber.
The element allows light to be fed from a source to a specific point and comprises a quartz glass tube (10) with a defined bore (12), with total internal reflection of the light passing through the quartz glass tube (10), with additional light fed through the bore (12). The latter can be blocked at the light input end and/or at the light output end by a transparent bung, having a refractive index which is the same, or less than that of the quartz glass tube (10).    The surface of the bung lying on the side of the bore (12) can be concave or convex and the dia. of the glass tube (10) may taper towards the light output end. The element can be used to collect solar energy and direct it to a given point.
A first sensor senses the process condition and provides a first condition output signal. A second sensor senses a second condition which affects the process condition to provide a second condition output signal. An amplifier selectively amplifies the process condition output signal to provide a modified signal. A summer selectively sums the output signals to provide a reference signal.    A comparator compares the modified process condition output signal and the reference signal to provide a first comparator output signal when the modified process condition output signal exceeds the reference signal and to provide a second output signal when the reference signal exceeds the modified process condition output signal. The controller is also used for the heat transfer medium flow rate in a solar panel.
In one embodiment the piezoelectric fluid-electric generator is an elongate member. The driving member may include a vane mounted to the free end of the piezoelectric bending element, and the vane may be an integral extension of the piezoelectric bending element. The driving member alternately may include ducts for increasing the flow velocity of the fluid directed at the surface of the piezoelectric bending element to reduce the pressure in that region and draw the piezoelectric bending element toward the ducts.    The generator may also include a funnel for focussing the fluid flow to the piezoelectric bending element. The fluid which drives the generator may be air, and the generator may function as a windmill, or the fluid may be liquid, such as water. In a preferred embodiment, a number of such generators are used, for example in a windmill configuration, to convert wind energy to electric power.
The electric power generation system uses the difference in water levels resulting from tides. It comprises a storage (1) and a sluice (2) basin, the water flowing constantly from the former to the latter and generating electricity in the process.    The water in the storage basin rises in level with the tide, the inlet sluices for the latter being shut at high tide, whereupon it can only escape to the sluice basin. The latter in turn discharges to the sea as soon as the tide falls below its level.
An elongate rotor is secured semi-submerged in a body of water with its longitudinal axis stable with respect to the mean water level and aligned with the direction of the wave movement. The rotor compartments (2) on its surface which collect and retain water on one side and release it on the other side, the compartments being spaced along the length of the rotor.    As the waves rise and fall the compartments fill alternately with water and trapped air, so as to force the rotor to rotate. Groups of rotors are preferably connected in oppositely rotating pairs to cancel out the overall torque, an electrical generator being driven by the rotors. The rotors are self-buoyant and tethered in position.
The appts. has a reflector, placed in the open air without a protective glass, formed as a half parabola, with a heat absorbing element placed on the axis of symmetry of the half-parabola. The lower generating tube is placed at the focus of the reflector and vanes are placed to absorb the rays reflected onto the focus.    A tracking system using two photoresistors placed above the edge of collector tube is used to control the orientation of the collector to maximise energy gathered. An emergency system provides for continuation of the working fluid circulation during the time in which the collector is turned away from the sun in the event of failure of the electric supply, and an automatic restart is provided despite the non-restoration of the electric supply.
The plant uses a cylindrical container which contains a float moving upwards as water flows into the container and outwards as water flows out from it, the translatory movement of the float being converted into rotation of a mechanical drive train. The base of the container has an inlet and an outlet opened and closed in alternation, the inlet supplied with water at a higher level and the outlet feeding it to a lower level.    The mechanical drive train is coupled to a take-off shaft via a one-way coupling, so that the shaft is only driven for one direction of movement of the float. The take-off shaft may be coupled via a respective one-way coupling to two drive trains at opposite ends for continuous rotation of the take-off shaft via two float systems operating in phase opposition. The plant can utilise small differences in water level.
A focusing multi-point high-concentrator optical system is useful for concentrating energy such as solar radiation for use in solar energy conversion systems. The configuration incorporates thin metallised Fresnel reflector elements applied to panels formed into focusing surfaces having a common axis. The Fresnel elements are oriented axially to the axis of the focusing surfaces.    The optical configuration produces a rectangular focal zone centered over each panel. For a number of panels of a given width, there will be a number of focal zones, each separated by a distance equivalent to the panel width. At least one energy absorber is maintained at each focal zone and may comprise a photovoltaic cell, thermal absorber, etc. and combinations thereof.
The generator includes a pivoting 'tile' set into the surface of the road so that vehicles drive over it. It is spring biased so that vehicles push it down and the springs push it back up. A lever below this tile transfers the up and down movement of the tile to a flywheel.    The flywheel is linked by a chain to the further wheel, and then by pinions to an electrical dynamo.
The device is in the form of a concave section longitudinal reflector mounted in rotation about a heat absorbing tube placed along the focal axis of the reflector. The reflector is supported from the tube and can be pivoted about the tube axis. A frame supports the tube horizontally above the ground.    The reflector has hubs perpendicular to the reflector surface and spaced at regular intervals along the reflector, providing support for the reflector and also having arms extending towards the central axis of the collector. The subs terminate in a split sleeve which fits over the tube and allows the collector to be pivoted around the tube by a rack gear. The rack gear moves horizontally below the reflector, meshing with a gear cut in the part-circular periphery of the end spine.
The system comprises a rigid reservoir enclosure containing a continuous and variable supply of gaseous fuels. A suitable engine utilises the total amount of fuel provided by the gas supply for producing electrical energy. The gas supply comprises an anaerobic digester adapted to receive organic waste and which is in gaseous flow communication with the engine. The engine has a supply regulated throttle responsive to gaseous pressure in the anaerobic digester.    Upon the increased production of gas such that the gaseous pressure in the digester increases, the throttle regulator controls the throttle setting of the engine. This increases the output of the engine to fully use the gas supplied by the digester, so eliminating the need for auxiliary gas storage devices.
The system includes a cold water intake chamber residing on the ocean floor. The chamber communicates via a conduit system with a submerged deformable condenser disposed above it, which is coupled to a mineral recovery system positioned at the surface. A pump draws cold solution from the ocean bottom through the system. The condenser includes a pair of sub-compartments as heat exchangers which have refrigerant in one sub-compartment being liquefied by cooler water flowing through the other sub-compartment.    A separate, deformable evaporator includes an internal chamber for boiling refrigerant which is warmed by surface water pumped through an adjacent chamber. As refrigerant flows from the evaporator to the condenser a turbine is driven to generate electrical energy. Pref. the condenser and evaporator are formed from thin walled materials such as plastics for the like, and are located at depths such that hydrostatic pressure neutralizes refrigerant pressure.
The system consists of a rectangular channel floating in the sea and closed at the top and open at the bottom. The channel contains a membrane held movably by several rollers. The membrane follows the motion of the waves and produces zones of compression and suction in that region above it.    One-way valves are located in the region and convey the water in this region in one direction. The membrane acts as a pump. The pumped water may be used to drive a machine coupled to a generator.
The current generator uses overlapping inner and outer tubes each open at both ends, with an electric fan positioned at the top of the inner tube. The bottom end of each tube has a turbine of corresp. dia. all of which are supported by a common shaft driving an electrical generator which is pref. positioned at the bottom inlet of each tube so that the indrawn air is heated by the exhaust heat from the generator.    Pref. the fan is controlled in dependence on the temp. pressure and flow values of the flue gases to supplement the draught when necessary, the power for operating the fan being obtained from the generator.
The radio aerial is used in radio astronomy and satellite radio traffic. It concentrates radiation from radiation souces for quasi infinite distances on to a reflector in a quasi parallel manner. It is identical as regard e.m. radiation from the opto - thermal range and from the h.f. range.    The system uses a heliostat lay-out for a solar power station as the aerial reflector surface. The radio aerial uses a number of heliostats distributed over a large surface area. The receiver or transmission section of the aerial is mounted on a tower of the horn of the heliostat.
The collector uses a solar panel incorporating water channels to concentrate the received light onto at least one chain of solar cells for providing electrical current. The solar cells are supported by a traverse which is in turn supported by two cross members which can be moved vertically, the movement obtained using two water containers which can be filled or emptied to adjust the counterbalance weight. Two further containers can be used to effect the horizontal movement of the traverse.    Additional water containers may be used to allow rotation in either direction of the traverse. The movement is pref. controlled via electronically operated brakes ensuring that the solar cells are maintained in the position in which they receive the max. light.
The pressure oscillation generator (10) consists of a closed chamber (11) enclosing the thermal shield (15) that is caused to move back and forth between a heated wall (13) and a cooled wall (14). The thermal shield is externally actuated by means of an arm (12). The activation can be accomplished in a number of ways including an electrical solenoid, an air piston, a revolving cam, etc. Heat energy impinges on the heated wall (13) causing the inside of the wall to also become heated by means of conduction. The preferred mode of heating wall (13) is by means of wood heat wherein the wall (13) is incorporated as a fire wall in a wood burning stove. Wall (14) is cooled on the outside surface to remove heat energy from the chamber (11).    In the preferred mode,cooling is accomplished by circulated room air either by simple convection air currents or by forced air circulation thereby using a living space as the heat sink. When the thermal shield is against the hot surface (13), air or gas in the chamber is minimally affected by heat from this wall and the cooling effect of the cool wall (14) is dominant causing the temperature of the enclosed gas to drop thereby reducing the pressure of the gas in accordance with gas law behaviour. The heat shield is changed to the cold wall position and the enclosed gas is exposed to the effect of the heated surface and at the same time is shielded from the cool surface. As a result, the pressure of the gas increases. The oscillation generator is used for direct production of electricity in a variety of ways e.g. using solar energy, piezoelectric device etc.
The collector comprises a hemisphere (111) with a reflective internal surface. A caustical conical concentrator (116) is located at the focus of the hemisphere and has a concentrated second focus for radiation reflected from the hemisphere. A heat exchanger is located at the second focus. The caustical conical concentrator rotates about a North-South axis passing through the second focus, to be always aligned with the sun.    The second focus is pref. at the centre of curvature of the hemisphere, which is inclined from the horizontal equal to the angle of latitude of the collector. The collector can be formed by a flexible membrane, inflated to maintain its shape. A large number of collectors could be used to generate steam for supplementing power from a conventional power station.
The panel structure consists of a number of panel sections mounted edge to edge along parallel hinge lines by hinges which allow the panels to be collapsed accordian fashion toward a support. The panels are attached to and deployed by an extendable boom which is extended from and retractable to the support. In the deployed configuration, the panels are extended to form a planar surface in which the boom is essentially coplanar.    The panel sections are formed from layers of thin film insulative substrate which is stiffened with ribs formed into the substrate during the manufacturing process. The hinges are formed of the same material as the substrate and bonded to the edges of the panel. The bonding is accomplished while the panels are in the folded, face-to-face position such that maximum stored energy and out-of-plane stiffness is available in the deployed configuration configuration. Power from the solar cells is collected by a ribbon cabling system integrally or separately formed with the substrate and hinge system so as to minimize stowed size and mechanical complexity.
The solar energy concentrator has primary and secondary (2) reflectors with working surfaces directed towards each other. To simplify the technology and operation, the concentrator is provided with optically transparent light conductor (3) filled with a liq. media (5) whose refraction index is greater than 1. The secondary reflector is placed inside the light conductor. The reflector is made as a cone whose apex is directed towards the first reflector. During operation, the light reflected from the first reflector goes towards focus F, is supplied onto light concentrator (3), refracts and falls onto reflector (2) surface. Bul.27/23.7.82.
One face of the panel is defined by self-supporting plate which is used as a base where the crystals are floated on transparent elastomeric layer, pref. formed by a clear gel. The clear gel layer may comprise two individual sub-layers applied successively and used for supporting the crystals and for guiding interconnecting electrical elements between the crystals.    The supporting plate forms the light receiving surface and is transparent. Behind the crystals and overlaying the surface of the clear gel, is another elastomeric layer as a sealant which should be comparatively robust and may be opaque.
The converter, with a power output to the MegaWatt range, exhibits an efficiency of up to 100 percent, by storing the lost heat to allow its subsequent conversion into useful energy. It employs a compression/contraction/condensation vessel, with an internal capillary system incorporating an expansion section, an external capillary system also incorporating an expansion section and a condensate collection vessel.    The thermodynamic converter is used with a circulation pump and a gas turbine and electrical generator. It allows a relatively low thermal energy source to be used to provide useful energy, e.g. solar heat, room air surplus heat, geothermal heat, industrial or domestic waste heat oxidation heat or nuclear heat. It may also be used to power a mechanical pneumatic or hydraulic load.
The arrangement has a circuit for comparing the generator voltage with a reference to produce a difference signal indicative of the difference in any of the voltages. A controller repetitively switches on and off current flow from the generator to the load. The controller is responsive to the difference signal to vary the duration of the off-time of the current, to maintain the generator voltage at a constant level.    An energy store is provided for the energy produced by the generator during the periods in which that current is switched to the load. A circuit is responsive to the difference signal and a periodic signal to produce a control signal for actuating the electronic switch.
The system has propellers disposed in the ocean or fluid current. They rotate the shaft of a pump which will drive fluid either contained in a closed tank or sea water surrounding the module through a second pump. The second pump acts as a turbine and its output is mechanically linked to rotate a shaft which is connected to the windings of an electrical generator.    By constantly driving a single generator at a prescribed rate from several power producing pumps, large quantities of electrical power can be generated in the precise phase relation. The phase relationship of the current produced can be modulated so that the power output is uniform and constant. The quantity of power output is only dependent on the number of power producing modules used. (Previously notified in Week K21)
Some of the liq. separates out of the soln. in the first conduit in the form of particles suspended in the remaining soln. to create a mixt. of the separated particles and the remaining soln. as a result of the changes in absolute pressure and temp. so that, at any particular position in the first conduit where the separation takes place, the average proportional density of the mixt. after the separation has taken place is decreased in relation to the density of the soln. at such a position prior to the separation taking place.    The mixt. is transported into a separation chamber at the high elevation in response to pressure differentials created by the decrease in average proportional density of the mixt. in the first conduit. At least one portion of the suspended particles are separated from the mixt. in the separation chamber to create a separated liq., and a dried gas; and the separated liq. is transported through a second conduit to a turbine generator transducer at a lower elevation. The transducer converts the pressure and motion of the transported separated liq. into a useful form of energy. The energy system may be used with a geothermal source.
The appts.utilises motors (4,5) to control azimuth angle and orientation angle, detectors (6,7) of the effective position, and a microprocessor, programmed to calculate the aim of the collector and compare against pre-set values. The microprocessor (9) is timed by a clock (22) and is coupled through an interface (25) to a power amplifier (26) which drives the positioning motors.    The microprocessor programme calculates the theoretical aim required and compares this against the measured values in order to generate an error signal from an optical tracking device to displace the positioning motors and correctly aim the collector. An a-d converter is connected to the microprocessor and receives the analogue output of the tracking device.
The air stream flow from a moving motor vehicle is exploited to supply, e.g. additional heating for vehicles, power for caravans (light, cooking, refrigeration, radio, t.v. etc.). The source can also be utilized for lorries, and caravans as well as for private vehicles. A further use can incorporate a heated seat for motor cycles.    The installation can be built into an exhaust system, when the exhaust gases are used to operate a power producing unit. The conversion unit can also be attached to these parts of the vehicle which offer the greatest wind resistance, and the energy produced, stored in batteries until required.
The solar collector is for energy collecting in the low to medium temp. range and can be used for domestic hot water and domestic heating purposes. Relative to customary systems, the mirror collector profiling is simplified by flattening the trough pan, and creating a space for vacuum insulation.    The mirror surface is small in relation to the breadth of the opening, and therefore requires less constructional material. The absorber diameter is over 70 mm, the opening angle (alpha) is greater than 70 degrees, and the concentration ratio is less than 2, giving good acceptance for direct sunlight. The absorber has a vacuum ring gap of at least 20 mm thickness and is evacuated to suppress force convection. To avoid a build up of snow, the glass collector cover is tilted at a steep angle in winter.
The regulator uses two planes inclined to the plane of the collector and fixed to it. Each plane surface carries multiple photo diodes connected in series, the two series . circuits then being connected in anti-parallel. When the two diode circuits have equal currents owing to their experiencing equal solar illumination corresponding to correct orientation of the collector - there is zero current supplied to the bases of the push pull transistor pair (T1,T2) connected to the diode circuits. If one diode path conducts more then the other, a net current flows through the transistor bases, burning on one of them, which in turn closes a relay (A,B) used to drive a positioning motor. The motor operates until both diode circuits have equal currents.
Enthalpy restoration involves supplying a working fluid in a superheated expanded exhaust form from a turbine-motor to a bubble tank. Superheat and latent heat are transferred from the expanded exhaust to the sub-cooled working fluid which has been formed in a condenser connected to the tank for supplying the fluid to the tank.    Exhaust from a power turbine (20) is supplied by a conduit (32) into the lower section (62b) of a bubble tank (22) having a horizontal divider (65). Liq. working fluid is stored in the lower portion of the tank and vapour which accumulates at the top of the upper portion (62a) of the tank is withdrawn via a conduit (45) to a condenser (39). The condensate is passed to a barometric seal tank (60) and then flows through a conduit (72) into a stand-pipe (67) of the upper portion of the tank. The system is used for electricity production
The system comprises a matrix support member having a metallic foil. The metallic foil has two layers of polymeric material disposed on opposite sides of the foil and a number of cavities at spaced locations in the support member and extending at least through the foil. A spherical semiconductor cell is disposed in each cavity, each cell having a P-type region and an N-type region, the N-type region contacts the metallic foil within the respective cavity. A conductive device is disposed along one side of the support member for contacting the P-type region of each cell. Each contact to the P-type region comprises a predetermined resistive element. (First major country equivalent to J58054684)
The solar-cell module has a hologram (1) dispersing the received solar radiation and directing it onto photocells (2-4) each having a different specified sensitivity. The hologram is made using light sources of different wavelength and splits up the solar radiation into beams each received by the solar cell most sensitive to its wavelength.    Alternatively, the hologram may consist of two parts - a transmission hologram and a reflection hologram. The reflection hologram lies opposite the transmission hologram and receives light from it and reflects it onto the photocells. The advantage lies in efficient conversion and efficient use of photocell material.
The solar power plant tracking detector has a dust protected body with optically non-transparent side wall and radiation permeable roof and light sensor element. To increase the tracking accuracy, the detector is provided with a parallel flat radiation screen with a light filtering strip, situated above the light sensitive element and has a variable transparency, which increases from the screen centre to the periphery. The roof is made optically non-transparent and has diaphragm slot, whose central line is placed perpendicular to the light filtering strip central line. Bul.23/23.6.82
Unit is used for solar power transformation to electric power. The unit has a parabolic mirror which can turn about orthogonal axis, a heat pipe placed along the mirror focal axis. The heat pipe evaporation and condensation zones are connected by transporting channels and are respectively connected in the mirror light and shade sides. The unit also has a thermoelectric transformer placed on a radiator situated in the heat pipe condensation zone.    In order to increase the efficiency, the unit is provided with an elliptical counter reflector placed co-focally with the mirror. The reflector has central opening and two working surfaces. The unit also has an optical laser, tubular control electrode, nozzle ioniser, generating electrodes, permanent magnet and acceleration electrode. The heat pipe on the evaporation zone side has a gas tight window which is transparent to laser radiation. The thermo-electric transformer is electrically connected to control electrode and acceleration electrode. Bul. 23/23.6.82. (5pp)
The system utilizes a buoy (10) which moves a magnetic core (4) up and down relative to fixed electrical coils (6). The up and down motion is provided by waves and tides. The displacement of the core changes the magnetic flux linking the windings of the fixed coils, thus inducing a current whose direction is such as to oppose the change producing it (Lenz's law).    The core comprises several sectors, some having a magnetic nature such as soft iron, and some having a non-magnetic nature such as aluminium. In an alternative arrangement, the core is fixed and the coils are attached to the buoy.
The appts. has a reflective surface on a support structure to reflect incident sun rays to concentrate them onto a storage medium. The reflective surface is constituted from the interface between two refractive media, assuring total reflection of the incident rays. The base of the reflector (3) is formed as a parabolic section and has a working fluid in a cylindrical duct (14) with its axis on the focus (5) of the reflector.    An insulating air chamber (12) is formed by a transparent cover over the wall of the working fluid cylinder facing the sun. One of the refractive media (2) - for example water - is retained in a transparent polycarbonate container (3) with the outer wall part of the parabolic reflector and having an inner wall following the outer wall, while having an upper face (8) facing square on to the direction of the mid-day solar rays.
The expandable panel and truss structure is capable of being stowed in a storage container canister for transportation into space and deployed to form an antenna such as a feed-through lens antenna. The antenna comprises the panels stored as hinge pairs (sets) folded in accordian-like fashion together with the expandable trusses and other devices necessary for antenna space operation such as attitude control and antenna feed.    The panel sets are deployed from the storage canister to form a toroidal ring, in one embodiment circular in cross-section, for supporting the antenna lens and to form a feed support boom utilizing the canister as part of the antenna. The canister is connected to the ring and support boom in the deployed state by the expandable trusses. A fully automatic system is included for deploying the antenna including panel set deployment linkages, lens hangers, indexing and orienting sprocket and racks for deploying the panel sets, and a close-out tether system for guiding and holding the antenna structure in its deployed state.
The planar fluorescent solar concentrator has a circular band portion within the concentrator toward which incident solar radiation is redirected. Optionally coupled to the circular band portion is an optical device comprising an axially symmetrical body of light transmitting material having a circular band at one end for the receipt of radially directed electromagnetic radiation.    The optical device includes a body portion, having a coating on its exterior surfaces and a generally circular second end. Light radially directed in the circular band at the first end is internally reflected in the body portion and directed toward the second end, whereby the light leaving that circular second end is distributed uniformly over its entire area.
In the interior of the ocean raft are a series of raceways along which heavy metal balls roll back and forth with the ocean waves. The balls engage a number of levers, each operating an opposing pair of pistons to force quantities of pressurised liq. into a pressure tank from which the pressurised liq. can drive a turbine or the like to generate electricity. If a ball traverses the full length of the raceway, it engages a spring retracted piston to discharge an additional jet of pressurised fluid toward the pressure tank.    Pref., the raft is annular with spoke-like chambers containing electrical generators, and in each quadrant of the raft there may be tiers. juxtaposed raceways in two or more several Along the raceways may be several pairs of the pistons all discharging pressurised fluid into a common system including a single pressure tank.
The wave energy plant is of concrete construction with a base (1), side walls (2,3) rear wall (4), roof and cross wall (6). The base (1) is hollow and contains spaces for ballast. Outboard from the cross wall (6) at the entry side of the main opening, are the side walls (2,3) with extensions (10,11) also hollow to take ballast.    The internal space acts as an oscillating chamber, connecting with the surrounding sea water and oncoming waves by the entrance below sea level. The incoming waves set the water column in oscillation which with a constant amplitude and varying frequency, corresp. to a resonant characteristic.    To obtain greater bandwidth, the projections (10,11) provided cause a further oscillation in front of the entrance, designated the 'harbour resonance'/ The resonant curves for the inner and outer oscillations can be made independent of one another to give optimum bandwidth, by the shaping, and size, of the walls and interior. The internal water column acts as a piston alternately sucking and blowing air through a turbine.
The solar cell or similar thin-film device has a substrate (20), a first electrode pattern (21'), a thin-film (23), and a second electrode pattern (25). The thin-film lies on selected parts of the first electrode pattern and the exposed parts of the substrate. The thin-film has a given pattern and contains at least one diffused zone (24) that contacts at least part of the first electrode pattern.    The second electrode pattern lies in a selected part of the thin film and contacts the upper end of the diffused zone so that the latter connects the two electrode patterns. The thin-film is amorphous silicon with a needle structure. The substrate and the first electrode pattern are transparent. The advantage lies in ready integration.
The system concentrates solar radiation onto radiation receivers via mirrors. The latter are grouped together so that each group reflects radiation onto one receiver at any given time of day. As the day progresses, any one group of reflectors progressively reflects radiation onto different receivers so that the overall efficiency of the system is increased.    The mirrors may be grouped into squares (6) each with a receiver (2) at the top of a tower (3) at one corner. Each mirror has its own drive that allows it to be tilted at specified angles depending on the position of the sun (4) so that different reflection patterns are produced at different times of day.
The solar cell consists of two regions of silicon (10,12) forming a p-n (or n-p) junction, and presents a network of conducting electrodes and bus-bar interconnections which are applied to the solar cell in a single immersion soldering operation. One or more bus-bars (30-40) are connected to the conducting surfaces (32,22) which may be pre-metallised surfaces or conducting grids, by means of an adhesive and solder. Several adhesion points (36,26) are spaced along the solar cell between the bus-bar and the solar cell with solder (34,24) between the adhesion points and under the bus-bar.    The mfg. procedure has two stages. Firstly the bus-bar is joined to the pre-metallised solar cell by an adhesive at the adhesive points. The system is then immersed in solder which flows between the bus-bar and the solar cell by capillary action. Projections (28,42) of the bus-bars permit the interconnection of solar cells to form a solar panel.
The solar heating device, partic. for cooking food, has a rod frame (2,3) supporting a concave mirror (1) with a cylindrical heating member (7) at its focal oint. The base (2) of the frame is supported by wheels (17,18) and the rear wheel (18) is driven by a motor (20) so that the device can be rotated about a vertical axis passing through a point near the front wheels (17). The upper part (3) of the frame is tilted about a horizontal axis (5) so that the angle of tilt can be varied to follow the sun's radiation.    The heating member can be adapted for baking bread, roasting, boiling etc. and can consist of a glass inner tube separated by an air gap from a plastics outer tube. Different cooking implements can be used. The reflector incorporates photosensitive elements (33 to 35) which control the two driving motors (20,22).
The wave powered generator comprises a pinion or sprocket driven through an impeller member by a float riding on the waves. The pinion or sprocket drives a flywheel through a one-way clutch. The flywheel in turn drives a generator for the production of electricity.    In order to make the device utilise the full wave motion at any tide height, it is equipped with a mechanism which automatically adjusts the device whenever the floating-operated impeller reaches the end of its travel, as a result of the rising or falling of the tide. The float is configured to derive lifting power not only from the up-and-down motion of the waves themselves, but also from the horizontal motion of any currents which exist from time to time at the location where the device is placed.
The plant uses the level differences between a reservoir (2) separated from the sea (1) by a dam wall and the sea itself with a turbine (5) having an approximately horizontal axis incorporated in the dam wall. The turbine (5) is driven by water flowing from the reservoir to the sea.    The water can flow from the sea to the reservoir via at least one flow channel (4) above the turbine, with a vertically adjusted blocking element (6) selectively blocking either the turbine or the flow channel. The generation plant has a high efficiency and provides a good power output while having a relatively simple construction.
The antenna (2) is a dish (4) formed of pie slice-type sectors (6). The sectors (6) are identical and are formed with straight peripheral edges (8) in order to reduce the size of the mould in which they are formed. Their upper surfaces (12) are formed on parabolic curves which, when the sectors are combined, form a paraboli reflector having a reflective focal point common to all the secotrs. Along the outer edges of the sectors are upstanding peripheral flanges (14) which stiffen the periphery, and along one radial edge of each segment is a rib (16) containing a sidewise-open groove into which fits a tongue along the radial edge of an adjacent sector.    When the ends of the ribs of the sectors are flued together, they form a firm centre post (22). Reflective conductive surfaces (26) of metal foil are applied to the upper concave sides of the sectors. Other types of reflective, conductive surfaces may be affixed. The size of a dish of this type may range up to 20 feet or more in dia. or it may be considerably smaller if used for receiving energy from very powerful sources.
The support structure for electromagnetic and light reflectors includes at least two rings of any diametrical ratio held vertically spaced and parallel by a number of rigid vertically extending peripheral columns and two or more flexible cable sets vertically spaced and parallel with the compression rings.    Nodes of junctures on the cable sets are adapted to remain fixed in space w.r.t. the compression rings by a series of tangential and radial cables and thus support rigid vertical internal columns which in turn support the reflector. The internal rigid columns hub to the outermost periphery of the compression rings for supporting a reflector dish of parabolic configuration.
A number of solar panels (P10-22) containing photovoltaic cells are mounted about the roll axis (GZ) and attached to the body (C) of the satellite. The panels pivot about mountings (110-122) on the body. A motor or electromagnetic actuator (3) causes control surfaces (J1-22) to pivot at the outer ends of the solar panels. The speed of movement of these surfaces is sensed by detectors whose outputs are used to provide damping in the control of their movement.    The actuators are driven from an error signal defined by the direction of the solar radiation and the roll axis and also by the angular speed sensors. The signals are processed in filters, amplifiers and logic control circuits to provide the required movement.
Weight of the moving traffic, pedestrian or vehicular, is utilised to generate electricity by causing rotation of a generator shaft. Two tread plates (614,621) are arranged to overlap at their central juncture. A number of energy receiving devices, all identical, are arranged to overlap at their central juncture. A number of energy receiving devices, all identical, are arranged side by side beneath the juncture of the two treadplates.    The operating centre section has a sheet metal base with raised sides (603,605) flanged at the top over the wooden frame (608). Returned end sections form the supports for a shaft (695). Disposed along the shaft are a series of rocker arms (633) having their upper cam surfaces in contact with the underside of the overlapping treadplates (614,621).Each rocker arm is supported by a leaf spring (691) attached to the base. Pressure on the treadplates at any point deflects at least two of the rocker arms causing incremental angular rotation of the shaft (695) which is coupled to a gear generator device through a torque energy storage device taking the form of a torsion spring.
Elongated prisms of acute apex angle maintained with an objective face is disposed normal to the sun rays. Through the prisms dispersed light is projected from a transmission face and onto a coordinated mirror for geometrical focus onto a target.    The heat rays of the spectrum are concentrated onto the target by lens on the plane of the projection. An astro timer is provided for revolving the prisms and mirrors throughout reversed morning and afternoon tracking modes in alignment with the traverse plane of the sun.
The plant comprises a direct-cycle circuit contg. a sequence of recuperator (3), high-temp. heat source (1) and power turbine (2), and reverse-cycle circuit contg. a cooler (6), throttle valve (7) and refrigerator (8). The circuits have a common sector in which a compressor is fitted. For reliability, the common sector also has a mixer-type inter cycle recuperator (4) before the compressor, connected to outputs from the refrigerator and the first recuperator. The output from the compressor is directly connected to the reverse-cycle circuit cooler. Heat is given off only in the reverse-cycle circuit. Bul. 20/30.5.82.
The mechanism comprises a shaft (1) and a hollow float (2) fixed on it. For simplicity, the float is symmetrical about the axis of rotation of the shaft, and its cavity is partly filled with liquid or friable ballast (3).    As the crest of the wave approaches the part of the float (2) on the wave side, Archimedes force turns the float about the axis, imparting torque to the shaft. Some of the wave energy is expended on lifting the ballast (3) with part of the float to a certain height. When both parts of the float are about horizontal, the ballast moves from one part to the other so that the turn is completed by the accumulated energy of the ballast. Bul. 20/30.5.82.
Support system for a frame of solar energy panels supported between masts. The design minimises rotary oscillations during high winds and is intended for large installations in mountainous regions. The method could also be used for smaller military installations and also for ship mounted ones. Two side masts (41,42) with top pulleys (43,44) carry a support cable (35) which has hanging supports (9,9a) with a rotational bearing (10,10a) at the centre onto which the solar panel (1,1a,2,2a,3,3a) frames are hung.    The feature is the rotational support cable arrangements (45,45a) on additional mast pulleys (46,46a) which are attached at the outer sides of the solar panel array and which operate in conjunction with a cable centre adjustment (55) to enable the panels to be rotated to the best advantage for power generation.
The cell comprises a number of discrete voltage generating regions, or unit cells, which are formed in a single semiconductor wafer (10) and are connected together so that the voltages of the individual cells are additive. The unit cells comprise doped regions of opposite conductivity types (30,32) separated by a gap. The V-shaped grooves (16) are formed in the wafer and the wafer is oriented so that ions of one conductivity type can be implanted in one face (e.g. 16a) of the groove while the other face (e.g. 16b) is shielded. A metallisation layer (22) is applied and selectively etched away to provide connections between the unit cells. The advantage of the fabrication method is that the metallisation is performed without implantation.
Solar radiation energy is converted into captive or stored thermal energy in a captive working medium in a closed-cycle power conversion system adapted at an output end to be connected to any of various different types of thermal energy utilisation appts. which will effectively reduce the temp. and/or pressure of the working medium as a consequence of the effective extraction of substantial quantities of energy from the working medium.    A return-flow line (usually ducting or the like) is connected from an output side of the consuming appts. back to a low-thermal-energy input end of the flow-path-defining appts. An optical, infrared-radiation-concentrating appts. is focussed on a much smaller area, and usually line-shaped, radiation reception surface. A thermally related radiation-to-heat conversion layer in heat transfer relationship w.r.t the flow-path-defining appts. heats the contained working medium.
Sun energy reflector can be operated in horizontal and vertical planes by a common drive to reduce installation and running costs. The reflector (9) is mounted (1-3) on a vertical shaft (4) whose top bearing box (5-7) supports a horizontal shaft (8) to which the reflector screen (9) is attached. The shaft (8) is connected by the conical gears (14,15) and the oscillating lead arm (13) to the gear transmission (11,12). The distributing mechanism (16) is connected by a chain transmission (17,18) to the worm gear reducers (19,20).    The chain (17) connects the sun wheel (11) with the input shaft (10) and the chain (18) connects the shaft (4) and the epicyclic gear (12) to the shaft (10). When the transmission takes place through both chain (17,18) the reflector is rotated around both shafts vertical and horizontal. Bul.19/23.5.82
The appts. has a chassis carried by one or more fixed floats and able to rise and fall vertically along a column fixed to the sea bed. The chassis carries two pivoted arms perpendicular to the fixed floats and having floats at their ends.    The geometry of the arrangement is such that the floats on the pivoted arms roll on the cress of the wave when the floats fixed to the chassis are in the wave trough (and vice versa).    The fixed column is formed as a cylindrical rack, and the chassis has wheels meshing with the rack, so that the motion of the chassis rotates these wheels, driving a hydraulic motor. All pivoted joints have double acting hydraulic cylinders fitted and the hydraulic pressure is used to supplement the main hydraulic motor which is used to drive an electric generator.
The turbine includes a pair of vane assemblies connected to an output drive shaft (21) and disposed in a chamber (22) in a housing (23). The vanes of one of the assemblies are inclined oppositely to the vanes of the other assembly. As a result, the direction of rotation of the output shaft is the same for either direction of fluid flow through the turbine. Flow in one direction acts on the first vane assembly and in the opposite direction acts on the other vane assembly.    For upwards flow (54) through the turbine, the non-return valves (47) are closed and those (53) communicating with apertures (51) are open, allowing flow through sub-chambers (38). For downwards flow, the valve dispositions are changed over and water flows down through the inner sub-chambers (37). The duct is secured to an offshore structure fixed to the sea bed.
Improved economics of the tracking drive for solar energy collector is ensured with the supply source and a self-braking reducer of the first motor. The second motor is connected to the current source.    The source (8) provides the d.c. current in the armature of motor (7) irrespective of its speed when tending to take up backlash. The self-braking reducer (3) holds the actuating shaft (5) till motor (1) starts revolving by overcoming the friction moment of the input shaft of the reducer (3). Bul.18/15.5.82
The solar cells (9, 12) have mixture sensitivities at different wavelengths and are respectively connected to diodes (10, 11). The cathodes of the solar cells are commonly connected, and the cathodes of the diodes are also commonly connected. The output voltage from the power supply composed of the solar cells and the diodes is supplied to the load, e.g. the processor of the desk calculator, through a voltage regulating circuit (2).    The voltage regulator is composed of resistors (6, 7) voltage stabilising diodes (4, 5) and a smoothing capacitor (8). The voltage stabilising diodes are composed of light-emitting diodes (LDED) which provide a low reference voltage. A forward current is supplied through the resistors (6, 7) to the light-emitting diodes (4, 5) which show a relation between the forward current and the forward voltage drop. Consequently the input and output voltages of the voltage regulating circuit (2) vary according to the illuminance. (First major country equivalent to J58023488)
The system uses a flexible pocket, with front (118) and back (120) surfaces, containing fluid. The pocket is exposed to the incident water waves, so that as a wave arrives, fluid is driven from the pocket out via a conduit (123,124). A unidirectional generator turbine (126) is situated in the flow which is produced, in order to provide electrical energy. By use of a number of such pockets, built on the exposed side of a barrier, a continuous flow of water may be produced in one direction through the turbine.    A common passage (28, 123) is associated to the upper section of the pocket and is used for inflow and outflow. This passage is connectable to a conduit (32,124) containing the turbine.
A float is mounted so that it slides with the motion of the waves on a vertical column anchored to the sea-bed. A rack gear is fixed to the float so it rises and falls with the float. Pinion wheels are meshed with the rack and are mechanically designed to rotate in one direction only.    By placing one pinion on either side of the rack both upwards and downwards motion is utilised. A gearbox couples the output of the pinions to the drive of an electric generator, the output of which may be used directly to drive electric motors or indirectly by charging electric accumulators. The wheel arrangement includes a free wheel operative during the descent of the rack.
The solar collector includes a number of integral lenses (11) held in frames which are turned by a horizontally-disposed rotatable shaft (14) driven by electric motors (15). A second, vertically-disposed shaft (17) is driven by a further electric motor (18). The motors are controlled in accordance with the position of the sun by a sun direction sensor.    The support arm (16) is required to be as light as possible consistent with its having sufficient strength to support the lenses and frames. To this end the first member of the arm is the arcuate plate (16a) to which the inverted saddle-shaped plate (16b) is fixed e.g. by welding, along its outer, convex surface. The second plate (16b) is disposed in a plane containing the axis of the horizontally-disposed shaft (14) and also passes through the neutral plane of the first plate. In plan view, the first plate is wider at its centre than at its ends. In an alternative embodiment, two saddle-shaped plates are provided disposed symmetrically to either side of the neutral plane of the first plate.
The system consists of large water towers placed in a circle and between which wind-driven turbines are located. Parabolic mirrors and solar-radiation collectors are located on the walls of the towers. The wind turbines drive generators that in turn drive pumps. The pumps force water to raised containers in order to supply water turbines.    The solar-radiation collectors produce steam that drives steam turbines coupled to generators. Wind energy and solar energy is stored to bridge periods with little wind or sun by allowing the pressure of the heater water to increase and by producing hydrogen for compression. A central tower contains the generators, pumps and turbines.
The water (1) flows into the turbine housing through three channels; one channel (14), funnelling directly at a tangent to the turbine, while the direction of the other two channels (12,13) is altered by 135 degrees to bring tangential flow onto other vanes of the turbine. All the water flows out of the turbine housing (21) via a common outlet (15).    The vertical shaft (22), which runs in bearings above and below the turbine, passes through the flotation chamber of the pontoon, to drive a generator mounted above the waterline. Each of the vanes of the turbine is equipped with four hinged movable flaps, which open to prevent any water which is flowing in the wrong direction from impeding the normal rotation of the turbine.
The heliostat has a base with rotating mirror pannel. To simplify the mounting and reduce the friction force, the base-rotating mirror hinge unit is made as a cross piece with three indentations of prismatic shape, which contain the prism, two of which are attached on the pannel and are on the base, and a radial-bearing housing spherical seat. The mirror panel is provided with chambers which are cylindrical sectors shaped. The drive cable mechanism has four traction branches placed in mutually perpendicular vertical planes which pass through the pannel rotation axles and are attached by means of spherical hinges on the panel. Bul. 16/30.4.82.
The device for converting the energy of waves or currents of oceans, rivers or lakes into electricity, comprises a buoyant body which supports a bucket wheel or bucket chain when converting energy, wave the rise and fall of buoyant body (1) with the wave motion causes bucket wheel (9) or chain to rotate or circulate unidirectionally respectively. This movement is transmitted to a generator (33) or other energy conversion device on the buoyant body (1) and thence to shore.    Where the energy is taken from under water currents, the bucket wheel (9) or bucket chain is supported by the buoyant body at a depth in the region of the under water currents, and where the currents are surface water currents a bucket wheel is fixedly secured to the buoyant body for circulation about horizontal axis disposed above the surface of the water or a bucket chain is mounted about the buoyant body. The buckets may be hingedly connected to the respective bucket carrying arrangement.
The energy generator has a float ring (1) with a dia. greater than 0.5 the length of the waves being used which is resiliently anchored to allow it to move up and down with the waves, or which is rigidly anchored at the height of the mean water surface.    The periphery of the float ring (1) has a number of paddles (2) which are deflected or deformed by the wave motion; to obtain a centripetal surface flow with a uniform direction of rotation, used to drive a Francis turbine (4) positioned at the centre of the ring. Pref. a flow guide (6) surrounds the turbine (4).
The wave-powered energy generation plant has a float (4) attached to the piston rod (1) of a piston/cylinder unit (10) for causing displacement of the piston (8) as the float is moved up and down by the wave motion. The piston/cylinder unit (10) acts as a pump for a fluid medium, causing pressurisation of the latter for driving a turbine etc.    Pref. the pump is used to raise water from the water surface and transfer it to a press vessel from which it is discharged via a turbine. The energy generation plant can power a ship.
A central absorber (9) is surrounded by lateral mirrors (1,2) inclined at 125 to 126 deg., upper and lower mirrors (3,4) inclined at 123 to 125 deg., and corner mirrors (5-8) inclined at 123 to 126 deg. to the absorbent surface. The assembly is held together by a frame (29) of plastics or aluminium alloy and a central casing (30) of pref. reinforced polyester with 100mm thick thermal insulation. The frame (29) stands on a base (31) resting on a toothed ring (36) for azimuth rotation on a pedestal (37) by a bidirectional motor and reduction gear (39).    Elevation of the assembly is varied by another motor and reduction gear (41) co-operating with a toothed sector (40). pref. at one of two transverse pivots. Automatic tracking is ensured by a photoelectric device (42) and electronic servomechanism. The arrangement may be utilised for heating swimming pools.
The generator has a wave energy pickup body (1) which can be submerged. One or more hollow resilient lines (2) (extensible flexible hoses) are connected at one end of the body and at the other end to a fixed mooring on a sea, river or lake bed.    The interior of the or each resilient line is filled with an incompressible fluid (10) and is in communication at one end with an accumulation vessel (11) and can be blind at the other end. The accumulation vessel contains a gas. An output converts the pressure and kinetic energy of the incompressible fluid into mechanical energy is in the form of a turbine.
The mass (1) is raised to successively higher levels by a cable (13) running over pulleys (14) which rotate freely on fixed axes (15), as a float (2) rises with the liq. from a min. level (4) to a max. level (5). When the liq. level begins to fall, the cable coupling (16) is immediately disconnected as the mass (1) is clamped (19) to a vertical rod (20).    After the requisite number of elevations the mass (1) is allowed to descend from its uppermost level, drawing a second cable (22) over two pulleys (23) to generate rotational or electrical energy. Two such systems may operate continuously in interconnected basins, the liq. level being at max. in one when at min. in the other. The system may be located at the sea-side.
The solar collector mirrors are supported by a vertical fixed shaft and can be adjusted through azimuth and elevation angles. These two movements are achieved by the use of two identical gear units, housed in a common gearbox. The gear units embody a special simple planetary gear which is reversible. Both planetary gears have step up gears in the form of a cyclo-gear or a harmonic drive gear, connected to them. The high ratio gear and its associated drive motor are arranged behind one another coaxial to the planetary gear.    The advantages of this system are a high rigidity in normal operation, insensitivity to temp. and humidity changes between large tolerances, minimum number of gears required, reversible rotation and small space requirement. The gears are also self-locking and do not transmit any force back from the element to be driven to the driving motor.
The plant is used for simultaneous concentration of solar radiation and wind energy and their respective conversion into heat and electric power. The plant has solar energy concentrator (1) made as a wheel with blades (2), solar energy receiver (3), azimuth-zenith sun tracking drives (4, 5) and an electro-generator whose shaft (7)is kinematically connected to the wheel shaft (8).    To increase the plant efficiency, the plant is provided with additional solar energy receivers (9). The blades (2) are made of symmetrical curved mirror with parallel optical axes fragmental parts. Solar energy receivers (3,9) are placed in mirror (10) focus and are rigidly connected to the wheel shaft (8). To improve the plant aerodynamic characteristics the concentrator is provided with fairing (34) in the central part. Receivers (3) and (9) are connected to shaft (8) on brackets (11) through splits (12). Bul.13/7.4.82.
The method of obtaining energy from solar radiation uses a layer of photocells supported by a spherical or parabolic surface. The sun's rays are then concentrated onto a tubular shaped energy converter supported at their focal point. This forms a secondary converter, and can be an absorber.    In a second design the parabolic array concentrates the radiation onto a single focal point formed by a device which converts the radiation into electrical energy The supporting surface can be carried by a support which is driven to follow the path of the radiation. All the photocells are coated with a selective filter substance. Another design has Fresnel mirror arrangement for the photocells.
The base tripod (5) supports two frames (4,10) inclined at an acute angle to each other and carrying respective arrays of plane mirrors (2,8) in concave cylindro-parabolic formation. The mirrors are rotatable through an angle about their longitudinal axes (3,9) by deformable parallelogram structures (5,12) controlled by respective electric motors (6,22). Incident light (1) from a distant moving point source is reflected from each array in turn to a point focus (18) and intercepted by a fixed central target (17).    At the target, a differential thermostat (16) responds to movement of the light source by operating the mirror-rotating motors (6,22) to restore the focus. The differential arrangement affords servo control in elevation and azimuth. The same structure can be used in reverse to project a steerable beam from a point source (18). The frames supporting the mirrors are arranged in a re-entrant dihedron configuration.
To prevent waste of energy when transforming gases at high pressure to low for use by a tool or other equipment the supply lines high pressure is reduced to a lower pressure, suitable for use in a low-pressure utilisation device by interposing a fluid motor between the high pressure fluid and the utilisation device. The fluid motor drives an asynchronous generator feeding back into the electrical grid the energy transferred in this manner is practically equal to that which would be extracted from the fluid to reduce it from high pressure to low.    The asynchronous generator requires no separate excitation power and does not interact virtue of the normally open switch.
The appts. includes a power member capable of being moved by water. The power member is supported in the body of water with at least a portion beneath the surface of the waves such that the power member is moved back and forth by the movement of water beneath the waves.    A device connects the power member to a convertor to transfer energy extracted by the power member to the converter. A secondary is supported in the body of water with at least a portion beneath the surface of the waves at the leeward side of the power member and spaced at a distance such that it receives transmitted energy and returns some of the received energy back to the power member.
The reflector includes a panel receptor having energy converting devices with one surface containing solar cells for receiving reflected rays of the sun to generate power and an opposite surface containing an antenna which continuously faces a given object. A fixed reflecting member has a reflecting surface facing and at a fixed acute angle to the surface of the receptor.    A rotatable reflecting member is adapted for rotation about an axis such that in all positions of the rotatable member, the reflecting surface of the rotatable member faces the reflecting surface of the fixed reflecting member. The rotatable member is rotated so that its reflecting surface always faces the sun, the rays of which are reflected onto the fixed reflecting surface and onto one surface of the receptor member.
The heliostat or solar collector reflects and focusses sola radiation and has its mirrors mounted adjustably on a rotary rigid support. The mirrors (6) are connected to the support via frames (1,2,4) fixed to the support. Each frame carries one mirror and is attached to the support at at least three places (5). Each mirror is mounted on its frame with the help of axially adjustable pins.    The pins can move axially in holders (19) on the frames and fit into sockets on the rears of the mirrors. The sockets have split lock washers though which the pins pass or, alternatively, the sockets have holes or slots into which the pins are clamped.
Individual solar cells are produced using a Silicon cell that is located between two metallised glass fibre filled epoxy resin layers. A bypass diode connects between the layers and is in parallel to the solar cell. On the top side is a surface coating of plastic.    A number of solar cells are bonded to the surface of an aluminium strip. Interconnection between elements is provided by multi-wire strip connectors bonded to the surface of the elements.
The thermal heliotrope described in a Parent Cert. can be used for automatic orientation of helio-systems. The heliotrope has sensing elements, double action power cylinder whose piston shaft is connected by means of toothed transmission to sensing elements rotation mechanism. The heliotrope also has a lens placed above the sensing elements. The sensing elements are made as heat pipes, whose evaporation zones are placed in the lens focal point and the condensation zones are connected to the power cylinder by means of flexible tubes. In order to increase the sensitivity, a thermal insulation element is placed between the heat pipe ends and separates the evaporation zones. Bul.12/30.3.82 (3pp)
The panels (1,2) are deformed with complementary indentations in such a way that they are pushed together for jointing. Cross-wise slip is prevented by e.g. a staple. A metallic film deposited on the substrate allows heat and electric current flow across the join.
Solar energy is collected and transmitted to earth by a large, automatically tracking, concentrating reflector mounted on an artificial satellite placed in geostationary orbit above the earth. The solar energy is at a higher intensity beyond the earth's atmosphere, and the lack of gravity in space permits a large reflector structure to be built.    The large amount of energy gathered by the concave extra-terrestial collector is focussed by the collector into a high energy density beam which is directed to a fixed location on the earth's surface. The energy received at the earth's surface is used to recharge electric storage batteries by direct exposure of photo-electric devices to the light beam or by use of lenses to concentrate the light beam for a higher energy surface density.
The appts. has a sunlight collector mirror (60) with rotatable supports. A detector is provided which is movable with the collector for detecting the sun's azimuth and altitude. A drive is provided for generating independent movement of the collector about the two axis of rotation. A transmitter is provided for transmitting signals from detector to drive device, so that the collector follows the daily and hourly changes in the sun's azimuth and altitude to keep them always facing the sun.    There are optical conductors provided for transmitting light to a predetermined area outside of the appts. A coupling device is arranged between the conductors to permit relative rotation, thus no winding torsion of the conductors takes place during the rotational movement.
The screen has two zig-zag folded halves (13) which lie side by side in their folded state and which are coplanar after deployment. The two halves (13) have support struts (14,14') at the top and bottom which pivot outwards away from one another during deployment so that the two halves (13) are moved into the same plane.    Pref. the two halves (13) are pivoted outwards before the screen is folded out, the screen being locked in position once it has been deployed. The solar cell screen is highly compact and does not alter the satellite aspect ratio.
The sun tracking appts. includes a rotatable vertical shaft (15), and a horizontal shaft (5) rotatably supported by the vertical shaft and whose axis is orthogonal to the axis of the vertical shaft. A pair of optical detectors (SOE,SOW) are supported by the vertical shaft at symmetrically opposed positions on the axis of the horizontal shaft. These detectors have vertical outer sunlight receiving surfaces facing in opposite directions to one another.    A second pair of optical detectors (SON,SOS) are supported by the horizontal shaft at symmetrically opposed positions on an axis (18) perpendicular to the horizontal axis, these detectors having parallel inner sunlight receiving surfaces facing each other. A first drive rotates the vertical shaft in accordance with any difference in outputs of the first pair of detectors and a second drive rotates the horizontal shaft in accordance with any difference in outputs of the second pair of detectors.
The burning of organic and/or inorganic fuel in a heating installation is utilised for generating additional power. Electric heating may be also used for this purpose. Air supply ducts are fitted to the heating installation. They are so rated that they serve not only the burning process, but also the drive of power generating machinery.    Pref., the air supply ducts have suction generating openings. The outlet air shaft may widen in the direction of outlet point. The heating air volume is increased by the chimney draught effect. The drive force of heating air and secondary air is used to drive a large-vane electric current generator. The system could be used e.g. for a fan heater, etc.
The system utilises e.g. two photodiodes situated in different planes of the solar collector. These feed a galvanometer of which the needle is centred at zero. The needle is shaped so as to shade two photoresistors situated on either side of the galvanometer scale.    When the needle is deflected from the zero position, one or other photoresistor becomes irradiated by the sun. The motor consequently is driven in one direction when the needle moves to one side, and in the opposite direction when the needle moves to the other side. The needle movement is limited by end stops to prevent irradiation of both photoresistors at one and the same time. The photodiodes may be replaced by photoresistors or phototransistors.
The system utilises a group of photovoltaic-like panel members, each of which converts solar energy into electrical energy by developing a voltage across opposite terminals in response to and dependent upon its collection of solar energy. These panel members are electrically interconnected together in a specific way which combines their voltages in order to drive a given load.    In addition, individual bypass circuitry is electrically connected with each photovoltaic-like member for diverting current around the latter in the event the resistance between its terminals increases above a certain level, for example due to an open circuit or undesirable shadowing. In this way, a malfunction of one photovoltaic-like member will not disrupt the operation of the overall arrangement. In order to locate these malfunctioning members, the circuitry associated with each includes device for indicating when its bypass circuitry is operating in a bypass mode.
Solar energy generating unit includes reflector tower with screens fitted with the solar tracking mechanism to improve its efficiency.    The heated house is located in line with the tower (2) which can be also used for telecommunications. The reflecting screens, mounted on the tower, can be independently rotated about two perpendicular axes. The solar energy collectors are fitted on the house roof. The screens mounted on the tower are moved to follow the sun in order to provide a stable heating of the collectors. Their supports (5) are hinged to the bars (6,7), passed through the fixed (11) sleeves (10). The bar extensions (9) are fitted with the rollers (12,13) which ride inside the spiral guides (14). The extensions (9) are connected by a drive bar (16-18) operated by the cable (20).    The rotation around the horizontal axis is obtained by means of the supports (21), cable (22), roller (23) and an endless driving cable (25). Each cable (22 or 23) can be connected to two or more screens. Bul.10/15.3.82
The ship has vertical aerofoils mounted on vertical axes to the deck of a hull or other floating platform. One end of the hull has a rotor attached to it beneath the water line and driven by water flow. The rotor is connected to the shaft or an electrical generator inside the hull. The wind drives the ship fowards via the aerofoils hence causing the rotor to rotate and the generator to produce electricity.    The generator's electricity may be transmitted as microwaves from the ship to a land-based power station. The aerofoils can be rotated about their vertical axes and set at wanted angles. The aerofoils may have various shapes, e.g. oversized turbine blades.
The heliostatic solar energy conversion system uses multi-faceted heliostats supported on one or more platforms that move in a segment of a circular path about a central receiver as a centre. The heliostats are mounted in frames that pivot on the platform on an edge of each heliostat. In one embodiment the platforms are supported in a concave spherical depression in the ground.    The heliostats are constructed with a number of intersecting beams and stringers. The stringers are formed with parabolic flanges which support the facets so that the angle of incidence between the sun and the focal point of the central receiver is generally in the centre of each facet. A vernier adjustment is provided for each heliostat.
The system includes a movable base which contains a number of hyperbolic mirror reflectors having their axis directed upwardly towards an absorber plate and which is directed upon an energy converting unit. The solar energy is absorbed by the unit and is used to heat a gas such as air which is circulated through the unit, with the heat being subsequently stored in a heat absorbing particulate material such as lava rock.    The movable platform is controlled by a gravity drive which is in turn controlled by a photoelectric solar detector mechanism. The detector mechanism is designed so that it receives the early rays of light of the sun and signals the control system to commence tracking the sun. This operation continues until the sun sets, when signal is sent to the control system to return the platform to its original position in the east commencing the tracking of the sun the following day.
The focussing device is for a light beam. It has a rigid casing with at least two facets which concentrate light rays onto a common focal point (F). The light concentrating facets consist of holograms which may be either of the transparent or the light concentrating type. They have a grating structure which has the effect of a lens.    The hologram producing appts. has a laser (4), the beam from which is reflected via a rotating mirror (5) to a beam splitter (6). The beam reflected from this splitter goes through a lens (7) followed by a second lens (8) to make a broad collimated beam. This is reflected by a mirror (9) via a further mirror (10) onto a hologram plate (2). The final mirror (10) is semitransparent. The light passing straight through the beam splitter may be reflected from a mirror (11) through a lens (12) which focusses it on the desired point (F). The light then falls on the hologram plate after passing through the mirror (10).
The generation plant uses one or more turbogenerators mounted on the seabed which is driven by a pressurised air and water mixture contained in a riser pipe. This mixture has a ratio of 1:1 with the air supplied at a press of 5 atmospheres, the water supplied at a pressure of 10 atmospheres and directed onto the turbine blades. A number of turbogenerators are positioned in a group at a depth of about 100m with a common surface platform from which a cable allows the generated power to be fed to the land, the generated power being in the order of 20000 KWatt. The plant is designed to replace the need for nuclear power stations.
The device uses the movement of the waves and has a support or foundation suitably anchored so as to be relatively stable to wave movement. Pivotally attaching to the support is a pontoon. The pontoon is so pivoted on the support that it moves w.r.t. the support in response to wave movement. The interior of the pontoon is partitioned to include two chambers, one located at each end of the pontoon. Each of the chambers includes a gas inlet and outlet which are equipped with one way valves which restrict gas flow into the chambers via the inlet and out of the chambers via the outlet. A gas collecting system is attached to the gas outlet.    The two chambers are connected together near the bottom of the pontoon by a connecting member. A movable member within the interior of the pontoon which is operatively associated with the connection member moves in response to wave movement. The moving member seals the connecting member between the two chambers and as it moves it increases gas pressure in the chamber which it is moving towards causing gas to exit from that chamber out of the gas outlet and simultaneously decreases pressure from the other chamber causing gas to be drawn into the chamber through its gas inlet.
The appts. comprises a collector including a number of photovoltaic cells with a concentrator of lenses spaced from the collector. The collector and concentrator may be mounted on an airship positioned in a high altitude above the earth.    The lenses may be independently moved along a sinuous curved path in order to track the sun. The naturally cold air cools the solar energy system as opposed to using water. The solar energy system may be fitted either to a balloon or to structures floating on water. The airship comprises at least one electric motor for propulsion.
A first set of pre-tabbed solar cells are assembled in a predetermined array with at least part of each tab facing upward. Each tab is fixed to a bonding pad on one cell and abuts a bonding pad on an adjacent cell. The cells are held in place with a first vacuum support. The array is then inverted onto a second vacuum support which holds the tabs firmly against the cell pads they abut.    The cells are exposed to radiation to melt and reflow the solder pads for bonding the tab portions not already fixed to bonding pads to these pads. Pref. the inverting step includes squeezing the cells against the tabs to squeeze excess solder in between.
The installation uses wave energy to compress air, then passes the compressed air through a turbine which in turn drives an electric generator (11).    A reinforced concrete dam (1) is placed across a stream of turbulent water. The dam has oblong channels (2) with one way control valves (5) at the end further from the water. A large closed chamber behind the wall (6) acts as an air reservoir in which the flow of the waves through (9) the chamber causes pressure variation. A valve (10) at the top of the chamber allows compressed air to reach a turbine driving a generator (11).
The subterranean thermal power station derives its power from the interior of the earth, using a very deep borehole with cooling and water pipes and semiconductors. The borehole is supported by segments joined together and built up from the bottom. Each shaft thus created is provided with internal chambers and is insulated on the inside. Each shaft has two gear racks fitted to it at the surface before installation.    Electrical power is derived directly from the semiconductors, which are installed in the lowest part of the borehole, i.e. in the last 1000 to 2000 metres before the bottom, half in the segment chambers and half in the cooler bodies.
The method consists in collecting and storing energy from non-polluting renewable sources either simultaneously or in isolation when one or other source is not available. The collecting and storage units are suitable for mounting individually or in combination to meet widely disparate requirements.    The wind turbine is coupled to an automatic reduction gear whose output corresponds to the max. obtainable at any wind speed, and drives a DC or AC generator. A cylindro-parabolic mirror focuses solar radiation on to a high-pressure metallic tube through which gas passes from a compressor to a gas turbine and heat store. The gas turbine drives another reduction gear through an electromagnetic clutch, hydraulic coupler or torque converter.
The system converts a standard buoy design into an electrical power producing appts. The vertical arms slide in sleeves attached to the buoy body and terminate in feet in the form of flat discs. As the buoy bobs and pivots in the water, the resistance of the feet to motion cause the arms to reciprocate, operating pneumatic piston pumps within the buoy. These piston pumps power pneumatic turbines which activate generators for producing electrical power.    The moving parts of the linkages connecting the arms to the pumps are protected by a plastic casing which keeps out sea water. The casing includes facets which act as sails. Annular wipers are provided between the arms and sleeves within which the arms reciprocate, so as to prevent sea water from seeping between them.
In the appts., waves roll freely along upwardly-sloping plate from the intake side to the out-take side and into a depression which merges at a sharp front edge of intake plate into duct. The initial part of duct is directed backwards towards the intake side in such a way that the inherent kinetic energy of waves rolling along intake plate is released.    The water particles travelling forwards in the direction of the wave motion and the particles travelling backwards in their rotation along circular paths in the waves are caused to flow in the same direction as each other through the duct from the out-take side of intake plate through a turbine which is connected to the downstream end of duct. The intake plate is provided with side walls which converge from the intake side to the out-take side.
The power source comprises a Cassegrain solar collector and concentrator and a thermal vessel including a containment vessel for holding thermal storage material. The containment vessel has the shape of an annulus closed at one end and disposed with its open end in registry with an aperture in the thermal vessel, with a selective band radiating layer coating the internal surface of the annulus cavity.    An external array of photovoltaic cells is mounted on a cooled cylinder disposed for insertion by a positioning motor to a desired depth into the annulus cavity and thus into adjacency with the selective band radiating layer. Conc. solar energy is applied by the solar collector through a second storage material in the containment vessel and cause the selective radiating layer to radiate energy to excite a current in the photovoltaic array. The power source provides power to a spacecraft during an entire Earth orbit including the eclipse period.
The power generating appts. is responsive to and actuated by the weight of the vehicles as the vehicles pass over it. The power generating appts. comprises a vertically displaceable generally planar member which is generally coplanar with the roadway. The power generating appts. also comprises a fluid housed in a fluid housing which is in fluid communication with a generator via a transmission device.    The fluid, while in the housing, is in contact with a displaceable bearing surface which when displaced acts upon the fluid, the displaceable bearing surface in turn being connected to the generally planar member. When a motor vehicle passes over the generally planar surface, the same is vertically displaced whereby to displace the bearing surface against the fluid. The fluid in turn acts through the transmission device to effect generation of energy.
The generator includes a walking beam type drive arm with a float on one end and counterbalance weights on the other end. A number of varied torque springs are operatively interconnected with one-way drives being used to tighten the springs when the walking beam moves in either direction. Thus both wave action and the rising and falling of the tide will add tension to the energy storing springs.    This, combined with a speed control and torque converter, allows the generator to be driven at a constant speed which in turn gives a constant electrical output. The system is capable of a steady kilowatt ouput.
The automatic control is for alignment of an object in the direction of a thermal radiation source, such as the sun. Three or more long rods (2) are so arranged that in cross-section they form corners of a triangle. The rods are thermically insulated from one another by separation walls, and are screened against radiation.    In this way, the rod (2) temp. rise is proportional to the radiation angle of attack. At their one end the rods (2) are firmly tensioned in a common block (4), whilst at their other end they are rigidly or movably attached to a frame (1). The block (4) activates a rotary body (6) or object directly so that block movement is converted to a rotary motion in the rotating body or object. This can be achieved using a driver pin (5) running in a slot. (Provisional Basic advised week 83/46)
Module has rectangular cells with current collection grids on the light receiving surfaces, each grid having a collector pad adjacent to one cell side. The pads are uniformly spaced and are connected to the undersurface (8) of an adjacent cell by a foil strip (14) bonded to the undersurface by its top surface and having tabs (21) from its opposite edge which are bonded (22) by their undersurfaces to the pad tops.    The foil is pref. about 0.001 inch thick and is secured by electron beam welding. A layer of phenolic resin pref. insulated each surface of the foil and is burned through at contact regions to provide electrical contact. The insulation prevents short circuiting with extremely close cell spacing and the arrangement permits low-cost automated connection of cells.
Solar energy collector of improved thermal stability comprises; (a) a substrate of quartz, silicate glass or stainless steel; (b) a solar absorptive layer contg. Ag, CuO, Rh/Rh2O3 and 0-15 wt.% Pt; and (c) an interlayer comprising Ag or Ag/Pt in contact with the solar absorptive layer and the substrate.    Pref. the collector also has at least one antireflective coating of CeO2.    The collector can absorb essentially all the radiant energy falling outer surface within the wave band 0.3-2.0 microns. This energy can then be converted into heat or electrical energy. Radiation is reduced to a minimum.
Each support assembly has a vertical planar support and a flexible member. The flexible member has a top for supporting the reflective member and an appendage affixed to the top and extending away from it into engagement with the vertical planar support.    The top of the flexible member can be moved against a template having a parabolically shaped bottom surface. The space between the top of the flexible member and the top edge of the planar support is bridged by the vertical downwardly extending appendages which are fastened to the support after the top has been properly positioned. The flexible member provides a correct concave upper surface having a parabolic shape that matches the accuracy of the template.
Solar energy collector is proposed, comprising an optical and a heat utilisation unit. The optical unit has at least one cylindrical, convex lens and a backing sheet. These components form a vessel contg. a transparent liq. The cylindrical lens and the backing sheet are both made of transparent materials.    The liq. space is connected to the liq. space of the heat utilisation unit. Also, liq. in the heat utilisation unit is retained in a region along the focal axis of the cylindrical lens of the optical unit.    The proposed appts. utilises solar energy more effectively, as its heat loss is only half to a third that found with existing equipment.
The lens comprises a ring within which the sectoral elements are arranged in two concentric rings around a central gripper. As depicted the outer elements may be twice as numerous as the inner ones and of about the same radial dimension so that they can be mfd. by injection moulding on the same presses.    Each sector has a plane upper face and a prismatically profiled lower face reproducing the known optical formation of Fresnel lenses calculated as a function of the radius of curvature and focal length . A plane sheet of transparent plastic is applied to the upper face, and the assembly is held between this sheet and a corresp. lower sheet. The gripper incorporates a screw in a threaded socket. A motorised positioning system with control circuitry for solar tracking is also described.
The vehicle drive uses a ceramic heat energy store and a thermogenerator, which converts the stored heat energy into electrical energy fed to one or more electric motors for rotation of the driven wheel axles. The heat energy store has a number of blocks, each with a heated ceramic storage element incorporating electrical heating wires and a U shaped flow tube coupled to a gas fan for circulating the heat transfer gas to the thermogenerator.    Elongate ribs are pressed into the surface of the ceramic storage element for improved heat transfer, with a heat-insulating jacket around the outside of the heat energy store. Each electric motor pair is coupled to a magnetic differential ensuring that the same torque is delivered to each wheel of the wheel pair.
The solar cell comprises an arrangement of radiant energy converting cells capable of producing electric energy from incident radiation. The cells are alternated with light reflective fins so that the angle between the fins and the face of the cells is about 115 deg. The cells are mutually parallel as are the fins.    The front faces of the fins are reflective so that they divert energy to the cell faces. The back faces of the fins are coated with a high emmitance coating so that they radiate heat away from the cell assembly. The fins are constructed as a sandwich of several layers; a reflective upper layer, an electrically and thermally conductive layer and a high emmitance coating. The electrically conductive layer is supported by a grid and together they form a conductive path between adjacent cells. The system transmits power to the earth via a micro-wave link, and has a reduced weight and cost.
In the generation of electricity using geothermal steam contg. H2S, residual steam is subsequently purified by (a) condensing it with an aq. soln. contg. a ferric chelate at sufficiently low temp. to condense all the steam, and to dissolve all or part of the H2S, (b) converting the dissolved H2S to sulphur by reaction with the chelate, (c) reacting the resultant ferrous chelate soln. with air to oxidise it to ferric chelate, and (d) recycling the ferric chelate to the condensation zone.    Any undissolved H2S is released to atmosphere with noncondensible gases after treatment in a conventional scrubber or the like.    The process is very effective for removing the H2S from the aq. stream.
The system maintains the solar panel (6) in alignment with a celestial body, such as the sun throughout seasonal variations in the circle of apparent movement of the body. The appts. includes a device (A) for rotating the object (6) about the axis of an extension (20) of the counterweighted driving arm to follow the body's movement across the sky between rising and setting.    A member (2) is reciprocated along a shaft (1) which is moved vertically up and down. The reciprocal movements are translated into angular movement of the object (6) such that throughout the year it is normal to incident light rays. The axis of the shaft (1) is aligned with the rotary axis of the first device (A) twice a year at the equinoxes and between them tilts the first device (A) upward or downward.
Tidal energy is utilised by fixing (3) a deformable sealed enclosure (1) to the sea bed (2) so the enclosure is at water level at low tide (MB) and is immersed at high tide (MH). The enclosure (1) is inflated with a gas at low tide using a counterweight system (4,5) slightly heavier than the mass of the enclosure (6) to open up the enclosure.    When the sea level rises the gas is increasingly pressurised, and the pressurised gas can be drawn off to supply an electro-mechanical conversion device, generating electricity during periods of high water. A two stage utilisation process is performed with spent gas from the gas turbine (7) being used for auxiliary functions (8) such as driving hand tools or supporting inflatable structures.
The solar ray collection device converges solar rays or energy and routes it through a light conducting member to a remote location for illumination or electricity generation. A large number of hexagonal lenses (12) are assembled and rigidly mounted on a glass or acrylic lens mount (14) which is elastical and sealably mounted in the internal groove recess (18) of the hexagonal outer frame (16).    Spaced apart from and parallel to, the lens mount (14) is a second flat mount (24) having apertures (28) into which the light conducting members (26) are mounted in positions coincident with the focal points of the lenses (12). The light conducting members (26) may be crystal rods or optical glass fibres. The device is suitable for large-capacity design and low-cost, quantity-basis, production yet has an exceptionally high light collection efficiency.
The wave pump appts. includes a number of upstanding cylinders connected together by a subframe. Each cylinder mounts a float on the outside of the cylinder connected to a piston within the cylinder. The upstanding cylinders are spaced approximately a distance of half of an average wave length from the main floats of a particular wave pattern such that as certain floats are moving upwardly, other floats are moving downwardly.    Each cylinder is connected to a chamber at the bottom thereof with an inlet valve and an outlet valve, such that as the piston in the cylinder is moving upwardly, it will draw in water, and as the piston moves downwardly in the cylinder, it will pump the water.
For improved power, the solar electric station comprises a tower (1), a stationary radiation detector and, surrounding the tower, a heliostat field formed by rows of reflectors (2) spaced concentrically.    Reflector rows create adjacent, circular groups (4), at variable distance, increasing towards the outside boundary of the heliostat field. Reflectors are set in a staggered arrangement with the angular pitch diminishing with increasing distance from the tower.    There are rail tracks (5) encircling the reflector rows used for servicing. A travelling crane is provided to ensure safe transport of reflectors. Bul.2/15.1.83
The photoelectric cell module comprises a flat shallow dish (10) made of clear material, with a rigid transparent glass or synthetic plate (50) fixed over it to define a sealed chamber. A transparent liquid fills the chamber, and a number of photoelectric cells (30) are immersed in the liquid, and attached to the flat base of the container. The cells are joined together in series by electrical connections (32) with two wires passing out through the base for external connection.    The transparent liquid is chosen to have a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, and a low freezing point. It may also absorb radiation outside the normal response range of the cells, and re-emit radiation to which the cells are sensitive.
The foldable solar cell support includes two or more flat panels linked together by hinges, with solar cells mounted in modules on the interior surfaces of the panels. The solar cells together with their electrical connections are encased in a plastic material, reinforced with glass fibre in order to form rigid and free standing modules.    The panels are provided with edges such that when they fold up, a box is formed to surround the panels. Wires from adjacent panels are joined by passing longitudinally through hollow portions of the hinges which join them together. The wires then turn at right angles from the hinge on to each of the folding panels.
The device has a cylindrical housing which is closed at the top and open at the bottom with its inner peripheral surface incorporating a coiled circulation channel receiving a pipeline carrying a heat transfer medium. The open side of the circulation channel is closed by a copper cylinder which simultaneously holds the pipeline in the channel. The centre of the cylinder receives a core with a star-shaped cross-section, supported by a base plate for the heat exchange chamber below which a cylindrical probe made of a material which exhibits good thermal conduction projects into the ground to a depth of 1 or 2 microns, incorporating feed and return connections for the flow medium.    Pref. the housing is made of concrete or plastics with the pipe line for the flow medium made of plastics or metal. The device is efficient and compact.
The array of polarised energy-generating elements, e.g. batteries, thermoelectric generators, solar cells etc. is arranged as a matrix having rows and columns of elements, with the elements in each row and column being polarised in the same direction. The positive pole of each element in each column is connected to the negative pole of the next adjacent element in the column.    The positive pole of each second element in a column is connected to the positive pole of the corresponding element in one of the two adjacent columns. The positive pole of each alternate second element in a column is connected to the positive pole of the corresponding element in the other of the two adjacent columns. This provides a mathematical equivalent of a tubular matrix of elements and when the elements are solar cells, the problems due to shadowing the array are diminished.
The photovoltaic panel includes a solar panel and a container housing salt hydrate materials. The container is positioned in close proximity to the lower portion of the panel, which has no support-providing bottom wall, so that heat generated during operation of the photovoltaic cells will pass easily to the container for the salt hydrate material.    The heat melts the salt hydrate materials, thereby storing heat in those materials and lowering the operating temperature of the cells with minimal inhibition from the structure of the solar panel. A duct may be provided for distributing the heat from the container to locations remote from it. The duct may be an air duct, and the container may be positioned so that its bottom and its sides are in the path of the fluid in the duct. An impeller may be provided for passing the fluid into and out of contact with the bottom and sides of the container.
The system includes a linear concentrating parabolic reflector, and a linear vaporiser tube horizontally aligned along the focal line of the parabolic reflector. A fluid metering assembly attached to the input end of the vaporiser tube precisely meters a quantity of a vaporisable heat transfer fluid from a supply tank to the vaporiser tube. Solar energy concentrated by the parabolic reflector on the vaporiser tube vaporises the heat transfer fluid. The heated vapour flows out the outlet end of the tube opposite the fluid metering assembly through a pipe and enters a heat exchanger.    The heat exchanger contains a heat absorptive medium which absorbs heat from the vaporised fluid to cause the fluid to condense and release its latent heat of vaporisation to the heat absorptive medium. The condensed fluid flows back to the heat storage tank for re-use under pressure provided by the vaporised fluid entering the heat exchanger.
The energy concentrator framework has a stationary bearing element, which is orientated along the concentrator optical axis, and rods hinged to the bearing element and each other, forming frames with paired parallel sides. One side in each pair has a hinge which acts as framework datum points.    In order to increase the concentration by aligning, each frame is provided with an additional rod having a slot, two equal length rods hinged to each other, and regulating element made as a screw pair. When the datum point of each frame is positioned on the side extended beyond its limits, each frame is provided with an additional rod attached in the datum point. The rod other end has a common hinge with one of the equal length rods. Bul.1/7.1.83.
The mechanism comprises a tracking concentrator and a radiation receiver connected to it by a flexible light duct. To widen the operating range, it has a rotating mirror (4) optically co-axial with the light duct. The radiation receiver is at the focal point of the mirror and is of toroid shape. It may have a second mirror of semi-toroid form, coaxial with the radiation receiver and with its reflecting surface facing that of the rotating mirror. The radiation receiver may be composite, made of alternating sectors of light-absorbing and piezo-electric materials. Bul.1/7.1.83.
The rotor (15) exhibits autorotation by rotating in the same direction irrespective of the direction of a water current acting on it and is located in the surface zone of water subject to wave motion. The currents in the surface zone turn the rotor which is associated with an arrangement for deriving output power. The rotor may be of a buoyant construction tethered to the sea-bed to float in the wave-influenced surface zone.    Alternatively the rotor drives a hydraulic pump by which the extracted energy is transferred to a remote fixed power conversion station using water-driven turbines. An elongate structure pivotally mounted at one end with the rotor rotatably mounted at the other is positioned so that the rotor floats adjacent the surface with the support structure at an angle to the horizontal. The rotor is held submerged at the trough of a wave in normally expected wave conditions.
The mirror is fixed on a support which can be rotated, and which includes a vertical spindle with an external thread. The spindle is used to orient the mirror, w.r.t. the movement of the sun. The spindle meshes with a nut contg. an internal thread; and the nut can move axially but cannot rotate.    The spindle is hollow, and its bore forms a hydraulic cylinder in which a piston can be driven in either direction; and the piston is fixed to the nut. Pref. the nut comprises moulded synthetic material. The device is used esp. to orient a parabolic mirror and requires min. maintenance.
The motor has a hollow drive shaft (1) supported by ball bearings allowing it to rotate freely, with a pair of plates (5) attached to the shaft (1) defining a drum enclosing the drive. The motor drive system providing the rotation consists of a steel flexure band (11), which is held under tension in a curve defined by a given spiral function, to allow its potential energy to be converted into an output torque.    The flexure band (11) can be tensioned either mechanically or via electric motors (19,23,28), which simultaneously caused the band to be accurately aligned with the given spiral function. The motor can be used as a propulsion drive for a vehicle or aircraft, or for industrial use and eliminates environmental pollution and dangers caused by use of a combustible fuel.
The generation plant has two or more water wheels arranged in series and acted on by the flow along a channel defined by two spaced hulls. The inlet to the second water wheel can be restricted by baffle plates attached to the opposing surfaces of the two hulls on either side of the channel.    Behind the first water wheel lie the inlets of two tunnel flow channels extending through the respective floats with their outlets facing in opposite directions. Each inlet can be blocked by a pivoted batch with an angle of adjustment of 20 deqrees. Pref. stabilising devices are spaced along each hull end adjusted relative to one another via hydraulic motors. The generation plant provides a high power output.
The energy converter has a displacement vessel (1) coupled via a non-return valve (6) to a pressure store (8), which receives the excess liq. from the displacement vessel (1) caused by heat expansion. The non-return valve (6) is combined with an induction valve (5) which allows additional liq. to be drawn into the displacement vessel (1) upon contraction of the liq. from a reservoir (13).    The pressure store (8), the potential energy of which is increased by each thermal expansion, is coupled via a control valve (10) to the load (11) with a return line (12) leading to the liq. reservoir (13). Pref. the displacement vessel (1) is coupled to the two combined valves (5,6) via a converter (3) which transfers the displacement of the first liq. to a second liq. used in the remainder of the system. The converter can be used for utilising solar or geothermal energy.
The facility, serving the extraction of energy from the water current in which it is moored, consists of a seaworthy vessel, which carries cycloidal turbines, extending their impeller blade assemblies through the vessels bottom into the current. Deployable shrouding, guide vanes and underwater sails serve the concentration of flow. Retractability of turbines and ballast tanks provide draft control for entering harbours.    The turbines are mounted to a recessed bottom area above the submerged bottom of the hull, which forms the floating support structure of the facility, in order to maintain all structural and moveable turbine systems above water level. The cycloidal turbine is capable of performing at all speed ratios.
The system includes a solar collection panel comprised of one or more solar gathering cells which gather and focus incident solar radiation through optical windows into a light gathering chamber. The light gathering chamber in turn employs several conical mirrors to redirect the solar radiation toward an optical entrance window, where a light trap captures and removes the solar radiation from the light collection chamber.    Light travelling through the light trap escapes via exit windows formed at the end of the light trap opposite the entrance window. It is subsequently focused by a lens system into a light pipe for distribution to a remote utilisation site. Alternatively an optical tree-type structure in lieu of a light emitting fabric distributes light received from the solar collection panel to solar cells within the converter.
The solar power plant has a concentrator (1) and a cooling arrangement (2) placed along its focal line. The cooling arrangement contains photoelements (3). To increase the efficiency, the plant is additionally provided with electrically connected current detector (4), functional amplification block (5) and electro-mechanical transformer (6). The cooling arrangeme arrangement is made as heat pipe, hydraulically connected to the electro-mechanical transfoerm. The current detector is electrically connected to the photo-elements.    When solar radiation is increased the photoelements (3) temp. increases increasing the current. The current variation is detected by detector (4) which supplies a signal to functional amplifier block (5). A signal from block (5) then flows to electro mechanical transformer (6) which regulates the heat pipe working body pressure. Thus the evaportion temp is changed changing the heat transfer area. Bul.48/30.12.82
A window comprises a frame (6) and a glazing element (2) mounted in the frame (6). The element (2) comprises a rigid sheet (2) of transparent plastics in which is homogeneously dispersed a series of luminescent or phosphorescent materials forming a luminous cascade, the absorption band of which covers a very large part of solar radiation wavelengths and the emission band of which covers a predetermined narrow band.    The element (2) comprises, in the vicinity of at least 2 of its opposite edges, a series of flat photocells (3) the best operating range of which is situated in the narrow emission band of the luminous cascade.    The lower part (8) of the frame (6) has a relatively large width to shield the photocells while its outer part (9) is of reduced width to expose the element (2). Means are provided for connecting the cells (3) to an electrical circuit (5) located outside the frame.    Used for trapping solar heat. The design results in high yield and the cells are completely shielded from view by the frame (2) while the transparent sheet (2) is colourless and does not look different from a conventional glass.
A solid, heat-resisting substrate (a) is coated with a selectively-absorbing, highly-doped, semiconductor layer (b). Layer (b) absorbs solar rays by inter-band absorption; and also uses plasma reflection to reflect heat radiation. The substrate (a) is cleaned, and then heated to min. 150 deg.C, in a vacuum chamber, in which it is provided with a high atomic concn. of metal atoms producing a fine-grained, polycrystalline layer (b) less than 1 micron thick and with a high dislocation-and grain boundary- density. The pref. vacuum chamber contains several evaporators for the semiconductor and the dopant, and also for a top optical layer (c).    A highly efficient but inexpensive layer (b) is obtd.
The energy converter has a stiff rotational axis (11) around which a series of drive elements (12), or a continuous drive element is positioned in a helix, so that it can move in response to the ware motion to cause rotation of the axis (11). The latter is tethered so that it floats on or adjacent the water surface, so that the drive elements (12) are within the ware field.    Pref. the drive elements (12) comprise partially filled containers or paddles extending perpendicular to the axis (11). A common drive shaft may be coupled to a number of rotational axes, the latter aligned with the ware propagation direction or running at an angle to it.
The radiant energy absorbing/emitting surface, torque converter and dynamoelectric machine are mounted in a highly evacuated container. The collimator, fresnel lens and mirror may be located outside the container. The electrical output produced by the system may be employed to energize electrical components or stored in batteries. When utilized in outer space, the container may be omitted since no special provision is then required to provide the evacuated internal environment of the system.    In this latter use, structures employing the principles of the otheoscope are most effective, the close disposition of the stationary blackened surface and movable vanes providing the necessary space within which molecular rebound can occur. That is to say, a container wall is not necessary to provide the moving force of the vanes, as in the radiometer. The appts. may be used on space vehicles.
The solar energy collecting assembly consists of a rectangular supporting frame with a number of vane structures mounted in parallel. Each vane structure consits of a Z-shaped bar member of extruded aluminium with an integral conduit at the corner between the lower flange and the web of the bar member. The conduit has extended end portions pivotally engaged through the front and rear supporting frame elemtns and these end portions are clampingly communicatively connected to respective inlet and outlet liquid manifolds located outwardly adjacent the front and rear frame elements.    Each vane structure has a top flange provided with a blackened surface acting as a radiation absorber which generates heat, this heat being conducted to the associated conduit via the adjacent web portion of the bar member. The lower flange has an array of photovoltaic cells mounted thereon which can receive solar radiation either directly or via a plane mirror surface provided on the adjacent web portion of the vane structure.
Ship towed wave energy mechanical power generating equipment comprises body, pivot-lever mechanism, float and actuator elements. Increased efficiency is attained by making the actuator elements in form of floats, and the pivot-lever mechanism is composed of vertical bars fixed to the body, vertically moving ties, and double limb upper, and single limb lower levers, pivot connected to the bars and ties. A float is mounted on the nose section of the upper level and a paddle is mounted on the stern end of the lower lever. The stern end of the upper lever is sprung w.r.t. the body.    As a wave appears, the floats rise and springs compresses, and the paddle is lowered. As the wave stored in the compressed spring and also weight of the spring. The up and down movement of the paddle gives the required reactive force. Bul.1/7.1.82.
An infrared-reflecting substrate is formed by a thin layer (1) of e.g. Cu deposited on a massive prim. substrate (2) of e.g. borosilicate glass. A first homogeneous overlayer (4) is formed by deposition (e.g. by cathodic sputtering) of a very thin film of stainless steel or other transition metal alloy between 10 and 50 nm thick.    A second homogeneous overlayer (5) of thickness pref. 50 to 150 nm is obtd. by cathodic sputtering of carbon black from a target in a residual Ar atmos. The resulting coating has high thermal stability as well as good optical properties with an absorption factor of at least 0.9 and an emission factor not greater than 0.05. The homogeneous overlayers in conjunction with the Cr layer afford highly selective absorption.
The device for locking the individual panels of unfolding satellite solar generators in the unfolded position characteristically has one panel (10) of an adjoining pair with a pivoted locking arm (70) and the other (20) with a notch (80) which a pin (9) on this arm can engage. A cam-plate (11) guides that pin during the unfolding process and a pring (12) pulls the arm towards the panel-movement pivot.    A stop (90) projecting beyond the cam-plate rim behind the slot prevents the panels moving beyond the fully unfolded position.
The device for unfolding satellite solar generators basically involves springs mounted between the generator panels. Characteristically the panels (1,2) are moved apart by a coil spring (5) fastened around the projecting end of a hinge pin (4), rotationally fixed relative to one of the panels (1).    The other panel (2) pivots about this pin and has the other end of the spring rotationally-rigidly fastened to its hinge bracket (6) by a bolt through a bush (8,7).
The energy conservation installation is intended for a central heating installation in which heat is normally transmitted to the radiators by water or steam at a pressure of 6-10 atg.    An electric generator is provided which is driven by a power unit arranged in the feed line to the radiators.
A satellite (1) has control panels (2) to maintain the orientation of the satellite axis such that solar panels (2) are aligned with the direction of the rays of the sun. Sensors (6a,6b) located on the top surface provide signals that are indicative of the direction of the sun (4). Once the satellite axis is aligned with the direction of the sun, a rotary motion is provided (8). The effect of the rotary motion is to provide a spin stabilising action that maintains the orientation during the period that the sun is hidden by the earth. In this way the need for active position control is eliminated.
The appts. is a network of collapsible bodies containing a working fluid which is attached to a turbine generator system. The bodies are resilient tubes, pref. three part structures made of elastic, inner tubes with projections and outer sections of semi-rigid hose. There is an input and an output manifold for the working liquid to pass through the body via one-way valves.    The network forms part of the roadway and has suitable surface, and may be overlayed with a flexible sheet which distributes the weight and motion of the vehicle. The flexible sheet is a mat of solid, rigid, strong box shaped elements, which are arranged in series and interconnected by flexible joints.
The appts. comprises a barge (12) and at least one float (14, 15) connected to it by rigid members (16, 17, 18, 19) pivotally connected by sockets (20). A watertight cylinder (37) including a piston (40) is attached to the barge.    Cables (32, 34) connect with the piston and pass through pulleys to the barge. As the wave action rocks the float relative to the barge the piston is moved longitudinally in the cylinder to pump water used for driving a turbine (57) for generating electrical power. Wind vanes (24) and water vanes (27) are also included in the float to enhance the rocking action.
The collector is mounted on a turret rotatable on a base and includes an array of concentrating mirrors of hemi-parabolic section with a collecting element on a boom at the concentrator focus. The assembly is rotatable about an axis intersecting that of the turret vertical axis, and the boom is normal to the first axis.    The concentrator is entirely above the plane defined by boom and first axis. The system receiving energy from the concentrator/collector is located at the intersection of the axes. The first axis is pref. horizontal and the base has a circular track about the point of axis intersection unobstructed by track and turret so that the assembly is rotatable by turret movement. The concentrator is suitable for home or recreational vehicle applications.
The system consists of a pair of floating units, each separately connected to a shaft member by a connecting arm, a ratchet-like gear fixed to the shaft member is indexed forward alternately or concurrently by spring loaded pawls affixed to each of the connecting arms from the floating units to the shaft members.    The wave action alternately raising and lowering the floating units concurrently turns the ratchet-like gear through the action of the pawls. Thus, the turning shaft, properly geared can turn an electric generator, air compressor, or other device of generating another form of energy which can be used or stored for future use.
The generator comprises a Hazan array of floats which float approximately half submerged under the surface of the ocean. The floats connected at the forward ends by a nonlinear power extraction devices is a subsea platform. The spaces between the floats, are made large enough to permit the passage of fishing boats, pleasure ships and the maintenance work ships required to keep the Hagen array maintained in good operating condition.    The array may be moved below the surface to avoid adverse sea states. Individual array elements are sized and positioned on the support structure to permit fluid coupling of reflected wave energy between the floats. The subsea platform forms an artificial reef that will attract fish etc. The subsea platform is anchored by a cable system including a winch enabling cable tension control.
Sensing element of helio-equipment tracking device consists of casing (1) with focusing lens (2) and reflector with central orifice and photoreceivers (5) positioned symmetrically as a pair relative to optical axis of reflection to receive reflected beam.    Tracking element is equipped with electric motor (6) fitted coaxially to central orifice of additional photoreceiver and reflector free to move along optical axis and is kinematically connected with reversable motor (6) through reduction gear (8) and also electrically connected with additional photoreceiver.    Reflector is fitted with convex face towards lens (2), solar beam projected by lens (2) and convex reflector onto photoreceivers (5) giving enlarged image of the Sun. Part of paraxial beam passes through orifice and strikes additional photoreceiver electronically connected with motor (6).    If density of solar radiation alters due to dust or clouds, magnitude of signal from photoreceiver changes and activates motor (6), moving reflector along the axis in the required direction. Regulating the amount of light is carried out by potentiometer. Provision of motor enables to alter position of convex reflector and regulate density of solar radiation and to maintain its continuity, increasing precision of tracking. Bul.47/23.12.82
Solar energy power installations consisting of movable photoelectric cells (1) with concentrators (2) and stationary power unit (6) constructed in half cylindrical form electrically connected to the driving unit (3) and to the main circuit by changeover switch (4). Stationary photoelectric power unit (6) is placed facing South at the latitude angle of the locality.    At Sun rise movable photoelectric cells as a rule point to the West and are unable to produce any current. The shape of stationary power unit allows installation to be independent of outside power source. With main photoelectric cells (1) facing the Sun, auxiliary power unit (6) changes over to the main circuit, increasing efficiency of installation. Bul.47/23.12.82 (
Tracking arrangement for solar panels using two shafts connected by pinions and couplings, where one half coupling is stationary and the other free to rotate.    Arrangement consists of tracking units (2) connected by electro-magnetic coupling (3) with reduction gear (4) and electric drive, rollers (6) and line (7). Tracking units are connected to each other by shafts (9) with pinions (8) and couplings (3) with two couplings to each shaft. Half coupling (10) is fixed and the other half coupling free to rotate.    Electric drive is comprised of two winches, when one is driving the other is taking up the slack. Continuously operating drive winds line (7) rotating pulleys (6), due to pinion and gear arrangement shafts (9) rotate in opposite direction.    Programmed by the computer, electro-magnetic couplings (3) engage and move tracking units. Inclusion of distributing mechanism in tracking unit and rotating half couplings, making only one roller available for each solar panel, simplifies tension arrangement for line (7) and allows elimination of reduction gear with low input shafts. Bul. 47/23.12.82.
Tracking arrangement is for solar panels requiring two dimensional precision up to 2.10 power 6 (as transmission ratio of reduction gearing).    Reduction gear (4) has worm wheel drive (10) and driving shafts (7, 8), with kinematic connection of tracking units (1) through reduction gear (11) with electric drive (2) by endless belt or line (9) through magnetic couplings (5) and two rollers (6).    The system has driving and driven pulleys (13, 14) and tensioning arrangement with weight (12). Electric drive continuously rotates drum (13) and through endless drive (9), pulleys (6) and reducing gear (4) the azimuthal and zenithal tracking units (1).    Electromagnetic couplings operate to predetermined programme. Installation of electromagnetic couplings allows individual control with single electric drive, simplifies construction and precision of tracking. Bul.47/23.12.82
The energy converter has a pendulum (7) freely suspended inside a hollow buoy (1) (or ship or similar). An electric generator is mounted on the free end of the pendulum. The generator's rotor is rigidly connected to a shaft (18) carrying two pinions. The pinions travel over two toothed racks (23,24) fixed to the inside of the buoy. The buoy's rocking motion causes relative movement between pinions and racks. The shaft rotates and with it the generator's rotor.    The two racks are curved. One has teeth on its concave surface and cooperates with one pinion whilst the other has teeth on its convex surface and cooperates with the other pinion. The pendulum is pivoted (10) to a point at the top of the buoy. The advantage lies in simplicity, robustness and cheapness.
A number of unconnected hexagonal mirrors (2) on rigid supports (3), whose heights are adjusted to suit ground levels, form a practically continuous concave and pref. spherical reflector. Individual mirrors have the same radius of curvature and are spaced (4) as closely as possible for the highest achievable efficiency of the assembly.    The supports (3) advantageously are composed of tubular tripod structures which have their three feet buried in the ground, and the top fixed rigidly to the back of the mirror. Calculations of wind resistance are simplified and there is no risk of concen. of stress at a partic. point of attachment. Landscaping and civil engineering requirements are minimised. Rainwater drainage, snow clearance, cleaning, adjsutment, and replacement of damaged mirrors are facilitated.
An ocean thermal energy converter (OTEC) generates electrical power from warm ocean surface water by dropping it approximately 100 metres, and then raising it back to the surface using its own thermal energy, in a large floating vacuum chamber. The hollow reinforced concrete structure floats in a body of water having warm surface water and cold water at deep locations. The warm surface water is drawn into the intake and dropped through the penstock (58) to a vertical axis turbine (60) mounted below.    The lower pressure output water from the turbine is directed upwards to the chamber (62) from which it is sprayed through the plate into the lower end of the chamber which is evacuated by the large vacuum pumps. The cold water is sprayed upwards parallel to the chamber side walls to control the flow of warm droplets as well as condense the vapour.
The thermosyphon boiler is disposed between the liquid trap and the turbine driven pump of a geothermal energy conversion system. Liquid droplets entrained in the vapour emitted from the boiler are separated and collected in a liquid trap disposed beneath the boiler. The collected liquid is conveyed through first tubes which are disposed in a heat transfer relationship with an upwardly flowing geothermal fluid, in order to evaporate the collected liquid.    The evaporated liquid is then conveyed through second tubes, which are also disposed in a heat transfer relationship to the upwardly flowing geothermal fluid in order to superheat the evaporated liquid and the vaporised steam emitted from the boiler. The two sources of superheated steam are directed into a turbine pumping unit, and increases the efficiency and operating characteristics of the geothermal to electricity conversion system.
Triangular plane sheets of glass are bent by supporting the triangle at each vertex and applying pressure along each edge of the triangle to force each edge into a curved configuration. Pressure may be applied by fixing a tensioning device on the mid point of each edge.    Used for large aperture parabolic solar-reflectors. The curved glass reduces the number of sections in the reflector.
Method of preparing an inorganic luminescent glass which (1) contains Nol2O3 as a fluorescent species, sensitised by MnO, and (2) is free of oxides of Mn having a valency above +2 is described in which the higher valency oxides are eliminated by providing as an internal reducing agent, homogeneously dissolved in a melt of the glass, an oxide of a metal more readily oxidised than MnO, utilised as the sole effective reducing agent. The glass melt is cooled to a solid, and during the cooling the higher oxides of Mn are reduced by the reducing agent.    The melt can be prepared in a platinum (alloy) crucible, which was not previously possible due to the presence of the higher oxides of Mn. Hence a more uniform compsn. of good optical quality can be obtd. /6
The solar energy collector uses a flask lens of hard glass filled with water, the flasks being spherical or cylindrical with movable burning points. The receiving surface comprises a hollow semi-cylindrical tube fitted under a burning point, and containing a fluid which is evaporated by the burning point heat. The vapour is then conducted to a heat storage unit using valves, a tube system and pumps. From the storage unit the vapour is used for electricity production. For further increase of the receiving surface temperature, it is encapsulated in a casing comprising 2 plain and one parabolic mirrors forming an extra burning point under the surface. The capsule prevents heat loss from the receiving surface.    The receiving surface rotates around the system lenses, or it is possible for it to be fixed, and for the lenses and capsule to be mobile. (Provisional Basic advised week 83/36)
Equipment for using solar radiation by means of an energy converter (13) uses a line of concentrators (10 to 12) at a position remote from the converter. The concentrators use lens, each of which focuses the radiation onto a spherical collector (e.g. 15a) at its focal point. Each collector is connected by a light guide cable (20) to an outlet point spaced above the surface of the energy converter.    The light guides, which can pass through a protective outer covering (23) have a low damping factor, and can be made of e.g. quarz or polymethylmethacryl. Their discharge ends are spaced at a distance (27) from the surface (26) of the converter, and at right angles to it so that radiation loss can be minimised. The focal point of each concentrator can be inside the collector.
The heat energy of burnt-off gases, e.g. in remote oil fields, is converted into flow energy to drive an air or gas turbine at modest investment and little maintenance requirements. The burning air - with or without air surplus - is channelled e.g. through a gas pipe with a shell-flue surrounding an intermediate space, to be drawn in to the gas flame. Alternatively, the thermal force of the hot gas emerging from the upper end of the flue is used to draw the burning air. The gas, pref. natural or chemical gas, is burnt at the upper outlet opening of a vertical gas pipe.    The burning air streams in at the lower end of the shell-flue through an air intake channel. The latter is used to drive the turbine.
A power generating piezoelectric structure (10) is provided comprising piezoelectric material members, preferably in the form of one or a laminate of sheets (14) of such material, each sheet having an electrode (24) on opposite surfaces thereof. Each pair of electrodes and the piezoelectric material define a power generating element, each of which is preferably dimensioned, relative to the wavelengths of selected waves on the body of water in which the generator is to be used, for increasing the efficiency of power conversion.    A support (12) is provided for maintaining the structure in a preselected position within and below the surface of the water. Pref. the piezoelectric generating elements are flexible and are supported in such manner to allow flexure thereof in response to movement of the surrounding water. The elements are designed to enter into mechanical resonance in response to the passage of waves thereover, such flexure and/or resonance increasing the mechanical coupling efficiency between the waves and the elements.
The system includes first light sensor means facing the same direction as the solar array and second light sensor facing the opposite direction. A third sensor, this one responsive the gravity, is employed to indicate the direction about a diurnal slew axis that the array is tilted. These sensors are employed to determine the initial array slewing direction to insure that during slewing and subsequent tracking, the array never is rotated through more than a given angle, less than 360 degrees, between two fixed limits.    This permits connection to the array by hard wiring rather than slip rings. The system includes also fourth sensor for providing fine tracking signals which assume control of the array position during tracking. A vane structure reduces the sensitivity of various of the sensors to obscuration by foreign particles. A low cost uncorrected lens may be used with the fourth.
The apparatus includes a housing having an interior space and a radiation transparent window. The window allows, for example, solar radiation to be received in the iter interior space of the housing. A device is provided for passing a stream of fluid past the window and for injecting radiation absorbent particles in the fluid stream. The particles absorb the radiation and because of their very large surface area, quickly release the heat to the surrounding fluid stream. The fluid stream particle mixture is heated until the particles vaporize. The fluid stream is then allowed to expand in, for example, a gas turbine to produce mechanical energy.    Properly sized particles need not be vaporized prior to the entrance of the fluid stream into the turbine, as the particles will not damage the turbine blades. Conventional fuel injectors are provided to inject fuel into the fluid stream to maintain the proper temperature and pressure of the fluid stream should the source of radiant energy be interrupted.
Rotary support drive motor uses a hollow rotor with an internal position sensor and a synchronous generator as a tachometer to reduce drive inertia around an arizmuthal axis. The drive contains three reduction gears, a synchronous motor and generator with reduction position detector. A motor (6) and generator (7) stators phases are coincident in space and carry multiphase AC windings (15, 16).    Rotors (5, 6) are displaced by half of a tooth width, with axial excitation windings (17, 18) arranged between stator windings. A position sensor has an AC winding (19) on a stator supplied by a high frequency current. Flanges (20, 21) are made from a non-magnetic material to prevent excitation fluxes interaction. A synchronous generator with a position sensor and electronic circuit form a tachogenerator. A position sensor rotor housing (23) are made from a non-magnetic material. Flat construction of an elevation axis drive reduces inertia. Bul.44/30.11.82
The submerged generating unit includes a rigid enclosure mounted on pylons which support it at a fixed depth below the surface of the water. The enclosure is divided into a series of chambers each of which has a flexible dome covering it. The dome on each chamber is such that it may be deformed by the pressure of water under the crest of a wave.    When a dome is deformed, water is expelled from the corresponding chamber via a system of non-return valves so that it passes two turbine blades situated one at either end of the unit. More than one such unit may be linked together, and they may be staggered in the direction of wave travel.
The generator is housed in a chimney structure (8) containing a horizontal partition floor dividing it into two separate rooms. The lower room contains the generator (5) and its drive transmission (4), the latter coupled via a vertical shaft (3) to the rotary drive (1) contained in the upper room. The drive is mounted at the end of support arms (2) extending from the vertical shaft (3), with the chimney (8) used to remove the exhaust gases and the cooling provided by air currents drawn in through peripheral openings (7) enclosed by a baffle plate (16) for damping operating noise.    The fuel is supplied to the drive from a tank (10) at the top of the shaft (3) with radial feed lines (11) extending from the tank base. The generator is designed for min. disturbance to the environment by ensuring good noise insulation etc. (Previously notified in Week 83/39)
The device uses a reciprocating float coupled to a current generator via a motion converter which uses an energy store loaded by the motion of the float and providing the stored energy for driving the current generator. The float is contained within a float chamber incorporated in the hull of a ship or boat or in a buoy and open to the water on one side, with the motion converter and the generator contained in a common housing with the float chamber.    Pref. the float chamber is coupled to a water inlet pipe with an external threaded section allowing it to be screwed into a threaded opening in the hull of the ship etc. The position of the common housing and hence the position of the float chamber can be adjusted about the gravitational axis to allow the float chamber to lie in a required vertical position. The device eliminates the need for electrical supply batteries for operating on board lights etc.
The solar generator for a space craft has a flexible surface on which the solar cells are mounted, which can be unrolled or unfolded when ready for operation. This surface is formed of a set of seven sections made of a foil forming a very thin layer on which are formed conductive copper tracks using a photoresist and etching process. Each section is a double section, with solar cell connections along the two outer edges, and between these connection points and each edge are longitudinal conductive tracks with intermediate connection points.    The sections are connected by hinges, the axes of the hinges being across the generator unit. Each section has projecting fingers which interlock with fingers on an adjacent section, and adjacent to the roots of the fingers are rectangular welding zones. Further welding zones are at the tips of the fingers. The lunge elements are between the welding zones.
The appts. includes a cylinder having an open end and containing a piston. A second cylinder has an open end and contains a second piston. A pipe communicates the two cylinders at the ends remote from their open ends. A closure is moved to close and open the open end of each cylinder in sequence. The system receives a liquid between the appts. defined by the cylinders and the pipe and between the two pistons.    An electrical generator is operated by movement of the liquid in the apparatus to generate electricity when fluid pressure acts on the first piston in the first cylinder, with the second cylinder closed by the closure, it moves the first piston inwardly, moving the liquid to the second piston through the pipe. Movement of the piston and thus of the liquid acts to operate the electrical generator.
The declinator includes an axial gear drive train coupled to the polar axial shaft of the heliostat, this shaft being rotated. A pendulum arrangement coupled via an input shaft to the axial gear drive train is held in plumb position by gravity in which the gear drive train is driven as it is rotated about the polar axis by the polar axial shaft.    An output shaft coupled to the gear train is rotated to drive a skew bar linkage assembly connected to the mirror mounting assembly of the heliostat. The gear ratio of the gear drive train assembly is made 365.1 so that the mirror angle is annually rotated a predetermined number of degrees corresponding to the cyclic variations of solar declination.
The wave energy converter comprises a large float (1) linked by a cable type transmission (4) to an electric generator and rising and falling vertically with the motion of the waves, constrained by a metal frame (3) having guides for the float. The float (1) is manufactured in steel or plastic and has a diameter of approximately 1 metre and a height of 0.9m, the bottom being spherical and the top flat. The float is weighted with water to about 150kg.    The float is constrained to vertical movement by the steel frame (3) members. The linear motion of the float is converted to rotary motion by a cable (4) attached to the float and passing round a drum (5) at the top of the frame and over a pulley (7) at the bottom of the frame, or, alternatively, by a rack and pinion mechanism.
Pref. the energy system comprises a container filled with an anti-freeze liquid and subjected to the external temp. with a line leading to the input of a hydraulic transmission.    The transmission comprises a pressure cylinder (6) with a small surface area piston communicating with the input line and coupled via a common piston rod to a second cylinder having a piston with a larger surface area. The second cylinder has a stroke space filled completely with an incompressible liquid, so that it acts as a hydraulic/mechanical transducer.
The storage and/or recovery of excess energy, such as night current, wind energy etc., pref. uses the hydrostatic pressure of water, and provides a system that utilises only a small installation that shows improved yield and efficiency.    A flexible air-reservoir or tank (6) is used and has its pressure increased together with its volume by means of the excess energy and according to demand is compressed by the load water and then emptied via a turbine or similar.
Solar panel contg. at least one photo-voltaic cell has sheet of hardened aluminium foil bonded to back and may have transparent sheet covering front. Foil sheet forms a hermetic seal with the lower part of the panel. Cell is at least partly embedded in pottant such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate which form a dielectric layer (I). Foil sheet 0.001 inches thick may be laminated between dielectric sheets, is bonded to the cell through (I) and grounded to the conductive frame of panel. Transparent front panel of the panel is made of glass or other rigid material.    Great difference in thermal expansivities of aluminium and glass, typically 23 versus 9 x 1/million per deg. C, results in stress on aluminium during cycling. Hard aluminium has higher yield stress than annealed, typically 22 versus 5 x 1000 psi and is resistant to buckling and rupture caused by stress. Greatest stress occurs below the 'glass transition temp.' of pottant (18 deg. C for PVB) above pottant yield relieves tension.
The device forms an enclosed volume and has two of its faces (1,2) forming a dihedron. Photovoltaic detectors (3,4) are fixed on the interior surfaces of the dihedral faces, their sensitive surfaces being directed one towards the other. The dihedron is closed by a third opaque face (5) perpendicular to its plane of bisection and having a central zone (6) transparent to solar radiation which extends symmetrically on either side of the bisection plane and at least partially onto the triangular faces (7,8) which form the ends of the dihedron.    The device is mounted such that the ridge of the dihedron (9) which is opaque lies horizontally along the East-West direction or vertically. Solar radiation falling on a photovoltaic detector gives rise to a voltage which is fed to on electronic circuit. A signal representing the voltage difference between the two detectors is fed to a drive motor which changes the orientation of the device until the voltage difference is null.
A ring is fixed rigidly to each side of a paddle wheel which is driven in rotation by the water flow. The frame of the machine has, on each side of the paddle wheel, a shaft carrying a small wheel coupled to a mechanical receiver and supported on the internal face of the ring by the traction communicated to the shaft through the anchor.    The shafts each have a guide wheel mounted so it rolls on the adjacent face of the paddle wheel. The anchor is a cable extending obliquely between the machine and the shore, and a positioning cable is anchored to the same shore. The orientation of the force on the frame is variable by a sling wrapped around two pulleys mounted on the frame and fixed to the two anchor cables via a free running link.
Each disc has a semiconducting junction which gives rise to a photovoltaic effect situated under a front face of the disc at a depth sufficient to allow the realisation of a conducting grid on this face without altering the junction. The first stage involves the formation of layers of glass on the sealing zones on the back face of a glass plate. This is achieved by serigraphy and curing of a dielectric ink containing a sealing glass for subsequent sealing of the silicon discs. Space is reserved between the sealing layers for the conducting grid. A rear contact (CA) is then realised on the back face of the discs.    The next stage is the realisation of the conducting grid (GC) with branches (GCB) by serigraphy and curing of a conducting ink starting with the reserved spaces. The conducting grid acts as a current collector on the front face of the cells. The silicon discs are then sealed to the glass plate at the sealing zones at a temperature and pressure sufficient to assure calcination of the conducting ink and its electrical contact on the silicon. Finally connections are realised between the rear contacts of the discs and the conducting grids of neighbouring discs and the assembly is coated with a rear protective layer (PR).
The concentrator unit for solar energy has a number of blocks (15) of a transparent material, such as glass or plastic, that have a parabolic underside (2) that is coated with a reflective material and a flat top surface (3). The blocks may either be square or of hexagonal section. Located in the centre of each block on the top surface is a pad of absorbent material that supports a retaining element for a photoelectric cell (19). The holder also provides support for a square section element (11) that is electrically conducting. Each block focusses the sun's rays upon the solar cell that produces an electrical output.
The thermoelectric appliance (10) produces electricity by the establishment of a temp. differential. The temp. differential directs a flux across the thermoelectric elements which are of type p(12) and type n(14) arranged alternately. The elements are fixed to the interior surfaces of two parallel spaced assemblies of copper plate segments (22,18). The interior surfaces of the copper plate segments are coated with a solder paste (16,14) to connect the elements thermally and electrically to the plates such that the thermoelectric elements are connected in series electrically and in parallel thermally.    The exterior surfaces of the copper plate segments are coated with a ceramic thick film (20) and the spaces between the thermoelectric elements are filled with a composite encasing ceramic (30). The fabrication procedure involves first fixing the thermoelectric elements to the first copper plate segment assembly, then fixing the second assembly of copper plate segments to the thermoelectric elements opposite the first assembly. The isolating ceramic is then injected between the elements.
A unit comprises a chamber separated by a wall from a cooling chamber. Tubes allow a fluid to flow through the recovery chamber to gain heat. Similarly tubes allow a cooling fluid to flow through the cooling chamber. The heated fluid flows to one of the sides of an assembly of several thermoelectric elements mounted in the cooling chamber to maintain them at high temperature.    The cooling fluid maintains the other side of the elements at low temperature so that they produce electricity. The thermoelectric elements consist of p and n type elements which are thermally connected in parallel. They are electrically connected in series by an alternate connection arrangement.
The device consists of three mountings or frameworks. The mountings are arranged to each receive a number of plane conducting bands in the form of copper plates. The plates are held in place during the treatment of retainers by which a vacuum is applied to the sides of the plates not exposed to treatment. The mountings also receive a number of thermoelectric elements to be placed between the conducting bands in such a way as to couple the elements in series electrically and in parallel thermally.    Each of the two mountings has a fixing device such that they are spaced one from the other to ensure a spacing between the conducting band surfaces. The third mounting takes the form of an alignment mounting which maintains the thermoelectric elements in place during treatment. A U-shaped piece forms an envelope around the conducting bands and the thermoelectric elements in order to facilitate the injection of an isolating material between the bands and elements.
A heat recuperation device is subdivided into one cooling chamber and one heat recuperation chamber separated by a wall. The recuperated heat starting from fluid in the recuperation chamber is transmitted from the recuperation chamber to one side of a number of thermoelectric appliances mounted inthe cooling chamber. The heat transmitted under this conditions maintains one side of the thermoelectric appliance at a raised temperature.    The cooling liquid current across the cooling chamber maintains the other side of the thermoelectric appliances at a lower temperature. The resulting difference in temperature across the thermo-electric appliances leads to the production of electricity. Heating tubes carry heat from the recuperation chamber through the separating wall into the cooling chamber. The tubes have a rectangular cross-section providing a large thermal contact surface with the thermoelectric appliances. The heating tubes have a number of vanes at right angles to the lateral walls of the tubes. The active liquid used in the device is water.
The solar energy collector comprises pyramidal-shaped structure extending around and upward from a base, with an opaque wall region of the pyramidal shaped structure extending approx. one-half way around the base. The base and wall region each have a radiant energy reflective inner surface, and the remainder of the pyramidal shaped structure is radiant energy transmissive. An energy absorber, comprising photovoltaic cells, extends around and forms a lower portion of the wall region.    The cells positioned and configured to directly receive a portion of the radiation passing through the transmissive remainder of the structure. The cells also receive some radiation via a path through the transmissive remainder onto the reflective inner surface of the pyramidal structure and then reflected onto the photovoltaic cells. Some radiation is also received via a path through the transmissive remainder of the structure onto the reflective inner surface of the base and then reflected onto the photovoltaic cells, to provide enhanced levels of radiation of the cells.
The heat exchanger includes a number of stacked heat conducting heat exchanger plates having grooves oriented to form flow passages extending in the direction of fluid flow. The heat exchanger includes an alignment feature to insure proper alignment of the flow passages with the direction of heat exchange fluid flow. The grooved heat exchange plates may be fabricated by stamping from a sheet of heat conducting material to facilitate manufacturing of the heat exchanger.    In another arrangement, the plates are positioned normal to the fluid flow direction with openings in the plates serving to form flow channels. The heat exchanger is usuable with collectors employing either photovoltaic cells or a solar radiation absorbing flat plate collector.
Photovoltaic devices having a common electrically conductive substrate layer, a semiconductor body deposited on the layer and a transparent electrically conducting layer formed over the semiconductor body are mfd. by: (a) dividing the body into portions electrically isolated from each other; (b) testing the electrical output of each portion; (c) connecting only those portions showing satisfactory output to a conductive strip which provides a contact associated with the semiconductor body; and (d) providing a contact on the substrate layer.    The overall efficiency of the device is improved by connecting only those portions showing satisfactory output. The devices are used in solar cells.
The housing (12) of the appts. is formed of interconnected transparent parts. This holds a solar ray collector (14) consisting of a number of lenses (16). The lenses define a light receiving surface the peripheral edge of which contacts imaginary lines which define the range in which the solar rays are allowed to penetrate the housing. The solar ray collector collects the solar rays most effectively for a predetermined size of capsule.    Pref. the appts. has a photodetector(s) (18) to sense the position of the sun and enable the appts. to chase the sun. The transparent housing parts may be formed convex or concave towards the outside. The transparent parts may be a combination of pentagonal and hexagonal shapes. Excellent strength and resistivity to wind is obtained.
Transparent glass-ceramic article contg. mullite as the main crystal phase is prepd. from precursor glass having m.pt. not more than 1650 deg.C. and which crystallises at high viscosity, i.e. 10 power 9 - 1- power 12 poises. The glass-ceramic article has compsn. (by wt. w.r.t. oxide) 40-60% SiO2, 12-30% B2O3, 17.5-27.5% Al2O3 and 3-13% Na2O and/or K2O, with Al2O3:Na2O+K2O mole ratio of 1.75.    Another claimed compsn. comprises 15-45% SiO2, 20-30% B2O3, 20-40% Al2O3 and 5-30% RO, where RO is at least one of 0-15% MgO, 0-20% CaO, 0-30% SrO and 0-30% BaO, where Al2O3:RO mole ratio is less than 1.75%.    The glass-ceramics exhibit broad absorption over the visible radiation region and strong fluorescence in the red and near i.r. regions, with relatively little overlap. They are useful e.g. in tunable lasers and solar collectors.
The device is pivotally mounted on a base (40) and uses a pair of separate solar sensor panels (11 and 12) that are insulated from each other and oriented at an angle to each other. Hydraulics angularly pivot the sensor panels relative to the base in response to pressure produced by sunlight shining on sensor tubes (13 and 14) arranged within the sensor panels to to contain refrigerant material.    When an aiming plane (18) bisecting the angle between the sensor panels is aimed at an angle from the sun thus causing the sensor tubes to receive different incident sunlight and reach different temperatures, the refrigerant material applies different pressures to the respective separators which in turn power the hydraulic means to pivot the sensor panels and correct the solar aim of bisector plane (18). The device can be used to aim a solar energy collector or other solar device oriented perpendicular to the aiming plane between the sensor panels.
The solar collector includes a solar radiation receiver surface or absorber for intercepting and absorbing impinging solar radiation or insolation. The absorber converts the insolation into the thermal energy or sensible heat and is susceptible to thermal expansion and contraction.    A sensor is remotely located from the absorber and is sensitive to expansion and contraction as insolation varies over the solar day. The sensor produces a control output signal corresponding to one of various temp. conditions of the surface between a contracted relatively cold condition and an expanded relatively hot condition.
The freeze protection apparatus includes a valve assembly interposed in the tubing that communicates the working fluid to and from the collector array and an actuator for operating the valve and a temperature monitoring sensor. The valve houses an elongated valve member that is axially cycled by the actuator from a first position to a second position via an intermediate position.    When in the first position the valve member forms passages with the valve assembly that communicate the working fluid source to the inlet conduit of the collector array. When in the second position fluid passages are formed that simultaneously communicate the input and output conduits of the collector array to the drainpipe to allow the working fluid to drain from the collector array.
A wind and wave power generator consists of a float (1), connected via a converter (3-5) which turns the reciprocating wave motion into a rotary one, to the generator rotor (2). The generator is designed for increased capacity by making use of the wind power as well as that of the waves, and this is done by incorporating a freewheeling coupling (9) in between the motion converter and the rotor and linked kinematically to the wind motor, e.g. by bevel gears (10,12). The float (1) is hollow and has ribs (18,19) which form an inward tapering channel so that it can make use of small changes in the water level. Bul. 34/15.9.82.
The frost protection system is for a solar energy absorbtion device which uses a circulating fluid, such as water, and it operates by draining the water out of the energy collector when the sum is not shining. The sunlight falls on an outer tube (16), which contains a concentric inner tube (12), and which slopes at approx. 45 deg. to the vertical. The working fluid (18) collects in the closed bottom end of the inner tubes.    The inner tube contains a yarn or thread (14), which soaks up the collected water (18) and transfers it by capillary action to a tank or container (32). The yarn passes through the heat exchanger (20) and passes through a downward extending pipe (30) to the tank, and its end dips into the water in the tank.
A combined solar converter has a photovoltaic cell for converting the energy of solar radiation of a particular range of wavelengths to electricity. It also has a thermal heat absorber spaced from the cell which converts solar radiation of longer wavelengths passing from the cell to useful heat.    A method of utilising solar energy comprises the step of subjecting a photovoltaic cell to solar radiation to convert energy of a particular range of wavelengths to which the cell is sensitive to electricity. Long wave radiations passing from a cell is transferred to a heat absorber spaced from the cell where the energy of the long wave radiation is transferred to useful heat.
The prime mover comprises a pair of rafts (1,2) pivoting about a pivot shaft (3) supported on a semi-submersible bridle structure (5) which retains the pivot shaft (3) in position fixed relative to the mean wave water level. The bridle structure comprises a mast (10) projecting from a damping plate (8) which damps out vertical movement.    The pivotal movement of the rafts about the shaft is converted to usable energy by means of pumps (20,21) which pump sea water to a header tank on shore through a conduit 27. Connecting rods (22,23) of the pumps are connected to the mast (5) of the semi-submersible bridle strcture. Pref. both pumps are mounted on the raft (1).
The solar collector comprises a flexible sheet (10) which is normally in a closed roll, a network of flexible channels (14) incorporated in the sheet, and a pump (28) which forces a working fluid through the channels (14), unrolling the sheet through the pressure in the channels. The pump is controlled by a detector comprising a silica solar cell (30) which gives an output signal proportional to the level of incident light, an anemometer (32) giving a signal proportional to wind speed, and a thermocouple (34) measuring the temperature of the working fluid.    A computer (34) processes these signals to determine whether the pump is to be on or off, so the collector is opened out while there is a gain in heat and rolls closed (when the pump is switched off) because there would be heat loss from the collector.
Shafts reaching deep into the earth strata with high temperatures carry appts. for generating hot or superheated steam, including water circulation installations. The installation also contains pipe-lines, heat exchangers, protective and control devices and communication systems, together with transport arrangements for both personnel and material.    Water is pref. supplied to the deepest section of the shaft system, where the necessary heat exchangers, evaporators and steam supply units are situated. A circulation installation provides return of cooled water or condensate back to the cycle. The heat exchangers may be in the form of wall cladding elements in direct or indirect contact with the shaft system walls.
In coating of a substrate with black metal oxide from a bath contg. 270 g/l. cobalt sulphate, 37 g/l. cobalt chloride and 30 g/l. boric acid with a pH of 1.5-4.5 and temp. of 45-60 deg.C., the improvement comprises (a) adding an oxidising agent to the bath, (b) electrodepositing an oxide coating containing hydrate cobalt oxides by passing a current of about 400 A/sq.m. through the substrate and (c) contacting the coating with water at about 100 deg.C.    The process is useful for depositing black heat absorbing layers on solar collectors, the oxide coating is stable at high temps. up to 1000 deg.F., is highly absorbing and has a low emittance in the infra-red range. The coating is produced cheaply with conventional equipment and at relatively low temps.
The heating system comprises metallic plates which are directly exposed to the ambient atmosphere and which are in direct heat exchange relation with tubes. A compressor receives a heated low-boiling working fluid, e.g. R-22, from the tubes as a vapour, compresses it and delivers it to a condenser. The fluid then passes through a throttling valve where it partially vaporises, then to the tubes, where vaporisation continuous, utilising heat absorbed by the plates from solar radiation, the ambient air, rain, and long-wave infrared radiation. Heat is extracted from the condenser and used for space heating.    Pref. heat storage e.g. a tank of water or a body of low-melting salt, is provided. Pref. the heat-absorbing plates are long and narrow. They are spaced from a diffuse reflective backing and are laterally spaced from each other or, alternatively, they form a siding for a building. When heat storage is provided, the system can also serve for cooling by reversing the flow of the working fluid and rejecting heat through the plates at night.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Residential building space heating. Enhanced efficiency of both types of heating. (First major country equivalent to US4392359)
The appts. for extracting energy from fluid motion, i.e. waves, comprises a set of floating modules, which may be single floats or arrays, on the fluid's surface far enough apart to minimize apparatus cost and close enough together to utilize the vortex-like action of the waves to extract a maximum amount of wave energy. This spacing is preferably about half the wave-length of the incident waves. The energy extracted by the modules is converted to hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, or chemical energy.    The tuned axi-symmetric wave generator float assembly is spaced from other like float assemblies such that it can absorb essentially 100 per cent of the instant power from a three-dimensional wave field wherein the axi-symmetric float presents a beam less than the width of the incident wave frontage from which 100 per cent of the incident power is being absorbed.
The cogeneration system utilises a pressurized air stream from an industrial source, such as a petroleum refinery which is heated by indirect heat exchange against a turbine effluent stream and which is then depressurized in a turbine which drives an electrical generator.    Preferably, a high temperature gas stream which also is simultaneously depressurized in the same turbine is admixed into the heated air stream before the air stream enters the turbine. A portion of the air stream may be heated in a supplemental combustion zone rather than by heat exchange. Pref. the feed air stream is heated to about 441-496 deg.C by a heat exchange against the turbine effluent stream.
The reflector is used for solar ray energy concn. The reflector has a mirror placed on the lining, and a base which has peripheral regulating screws and central loading element. To increase the optical efficiency, the reflector is additionally provided with a bearing frame, connected to the peripheral regulating screws, connection element with attached axles, connected to the mirror by means of a central loading bolt. The lining is made as a radial flexible elements, each one made as a packet of plates. The plates at one end are placed on connection element axis and can turn and the other ends are connected by means of connection screw and have lugs situated in the plate perpendicular plane. The connection screw is placed in the lugs. Each flexible element has an additional packet of plates which are placed alternately with the first packet plates. At least one surface of each plate is provided with transverse cuts. Bul.35/23.9.82
The power generator, for use in coastal regions, consists of a floating housing, attached by cables (10, 11) to a sea bed anchor (12), and an electrical generator inside the housing which is connected to an electrical load, and a DC power source (7).    It is designed for simplicity by having the current generated by means of a pair of coaxial spiral coils (5, 6) which are located on the surface of the water at its normal calm level. One of the coils is connected to the DC power source and the other to the electrical load (8), and outside the coils there is an inverted U-shaped magnetic circuit (9).    The two coils are maintained in a semi-submerged state by the floats, and the power is generated by the passage of the moving waves through the constant magnetic field, varying the flow of magnetic induction in the space between the coils. Bul.34/15.9.82
Parallel rays are collected by a Fresnel lens (1) on the face of a steerable first thermally insulated enclosure (2) of absorbent refractory material having an air or gas inlet (2A). They are focussed (F) at the entrance (4) to a second enclosure (3) containing fixed channels (5,6) for heat-transfer fluid circulation, and partially evacuated to draw air or gas through the first enclosure (2).    The solar radiation not already absorbed by conventional receiving surfaces is taken up by the fixed enclosure (3) while the air or gas circulates in the intermediate space. All incident energy transferred to the thermal focus and circulating air or gas is available for utilisation. All the circulating air is passed through a filter upon being drawn into the system. The system is used to generate electricity.
The system is for harnessing naturally occurring energy provided by wave motion on a body of water and is also for harnessing tide and wind currents to generate electrical energy. A wave-operated generator system pref. includes a vertically extending support member. A float is coupled to the support for vertical movement with the waves. A rack and gear assembly is coupled between the float and the electrical generator to convert the vertical motion of the float to rotary motion for the electrical generator.    The rack and gear assembly includes a rack comprising a bar with teeth on one face for engaging gear teeth and ratcheted pairs of gears which respectively convert the upward or downward motion of the waves to unidirectional rotary motion. The rack is fixed to the vertically extending support member and various combinations of ratcheted gears are provided to couple the linear motion of the platform to rotary motion for the generator.
The solar power module (10) has a panel (11) upon which an array of solar cells (12) is arranged. A frame surrounds the panel which is comprised of two side channels (13) and two end sections (16). The solar cells (12) are arranged in three rows, which electrically feed to a common bus-bar (19).    The panel (11) is supported by the two, spaced-apart side channels and is disposed between two flanges (14,15) respectively, protruding from each channel. The channels have an internal channel defined by flanges. This internal channel secures the head of a mounting bolt such that the module may be mounted without placing a wrench behind the panel.
The solar panel assembly consists of a shallow rectangular housing with a glass top cover, the housing enclosing several side-by-side metal plate members with depending longitudinal webs connecting the plate members to longitudinal liquid flow tubes. The plate members, webs and flow tubes are integrally formed by extrusion. Respective enlarged transverse header tubes are connected by coupling sleeves to the opposite ends of the flow tubes. The header tubes extend through and are secured in opposite side walls of the housing so that the metal plate extrusions are supported in the housing.    The plate members are interlocked in coplanar relationship by slidable tongue-and-groove connections at their longitudinal edges. Silicon photo-voltaic cells are mounted in row-and-column arrays on the plate members. The depending webs are relatively deep and thin to limit the heat flow rate between the solar plate members and the flow tubes. This prevents excessive temperature gradients and thermal stresses at the plate areas carrying the silicon cells and so prevent the cells from cracking. The housing contains heat-insulating material which covers the flow tubes and covers the major portions of the header tubes.
The pump system is used for pumping a first liquid from a source to a storage facility and a generating system for converting flow of a pressurised first liquid to electrical power. The pump system comprises a multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pump. A second liquid heating device is operable to heat a second liquid to a fixed hot temperature. The hot liquid is diverted into a multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pump. A third liquid cooling device is operable to cool a third liquid to a fixed cold temperature where it becomes a cold liquid. The cold liquid is divertable into the multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pump.    The generating system comprises a number of multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pumps utilized along with the second liquid heating device operable to heat a second liquid to a fixed hot temperature where it becomes a hot liquid and a third liquid fcooling device operable to cool a third liquid to a fixed cold temperature where it becomes a cold liquid. The hot liquid and cold liquid are divertable into a number of multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pumps.
The water wave energy transducer comprises a boat having pivoted arms projecting out over the water, a float being mounted on the outboard end of each arm so that the arms are oscillated by wave action on the floats. Drive sprockets fixed on the arms coaxially with their pivots are connected by drive chains with two driven sprockets coaxial, respectively, with two gears which mesh with one another and one of which meshes with an output gear.    The driven sprockets are coupled with the coaxial gears by one-way clutches which are oppositely arranged so that one drives when the sprockets turn in one direction and the drives when the sprockets turn in the opposite direction. Hence, the output gear is driven in the same direction by both upward and downward movement of the floats. The output gear is connected by a speed increasing gear train with an electric generator which can supply current to a motor for propelling the boat, or through a cable to the shore when the boat is anchored.
The motor utilises secondary thermal energy sources for generation of a torque or electricity. In a liquid container is floatingly mounted an upthrust body on a hub and a support bolt and eccentrically displaceable. The supply of differential pressure causes lateral displacement of the upthrust body and a part of its upthrust force becomes effective as a torque for the drive of machines and generators.    The support bolt carries the hub in a rotary manner and has on its front side a drive bush, coupled to a drive shaft via a follower wedge. The shaft is brought out from the liquid container via bearing bushes. The upthrust body with a flange and closure lid is floatingly supported via the hub so that between the latter outer diameter and the inner diameter of the upthrust body can be mounted a sleeve, divided into air chambers coupled via bores to the forward flow and reverse flow chambers.
A solar panel has a bottom and side walls forming a tray with an open front to receive light. Photovoltaic cells, positioned in the tray beneath the open front, have light-receiving, upwardly-facing surfaces and electrical contacts for collecting and channelling electrical energy generated by the cells to perform work. The tray bottom is formed of a material that allows heat to pass through it so that heat also generated during operation of the cells passes to and through the tray bottom.    A container houses salt hydrate materials that are solid at ambient temps. of use and can be melted by the heat generated during operation of the cells. The container is releasably positioned close to the tray bottom. The material is thus melted and heat is stored in it while the operating temp. of the cells is lowered.
A rotary-type exercise device is driven by the running motion of the user who jogs or runs within a cylindrical mill wheel. The rotation of the mill wheel is transferred to a driveshaft, which, in turn, drives a generator. The power thus generated is stored in a battery for later use. The type of exercise involved in using this rotary device promotes overall cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness.    In addition, energy generated by the device supplements and reduces the overall amount of energy used and obtained from fossil fuels. There is a one-way drive mechanism connecting the mill wheel to the driveshaft. The operator is pref. of the DC type and is connected through a voltage base regulator to a storage battery.
The system recovers thermal energy stored in hot solute-bearing well water to generate a superheated fluid from a flow of working fluid. The superheated fluid is used to drive a turbine-driven pump near the geothermal well bottom for pumping hot brine, always in liquid state, toward the earth's surface. The same superheated working fluid that drives the down-well turbine motor also drives the surface-located power turbine and electrical generator.    Thus, the surface-generated working fluid vapour serves two vital functions, being generated by the primary surface heat exchanger from the thermal energy stored in the rising brine solution. The main portion of the working vapour drives the main or surface electrical power generating turbine motor and generator, with the remainder being routed down into the geothermal well to drive the brine pump turbine motor. This remainder is then returned as exhaust vapour to the earth's surface to be condensed or inserted into an intermediate stage of the surface power turbine.
A metal member of appropriate length and cross sectional dimensions is used, that will have appreciable lengthwise movement as it expands and contracts when subjected to temp. within a predetermined range. These forces are used to drive a rack which is in mesh with a pinion on a drive shaft connected to at least one generator drive of a type creating, storing, and releasing the stored energy.    The metal member, in its simplest form, is straight but because of the length required to provide useable movements, it is also proposed to have the metal member in the form of a coil. Pref. the expansion and contraction of the member is effected by ambient atmospheric temp. supplemented by solar heating in any desired way.
The appts. comprises an array of members (10) each having a leading edge joined to a thinner trailing edge by tapering surfaces. Multi-directional fluid wave motion incident on the leading side of the array is so directed by the members that motion of fluid leaving the trailing side of the array is generally uni-directional.    The surfaces of each member may be capable of limited movement. The appts. may be used to stabilise an oil rig or oil exploration platform or used for driving small or large vessels. The vessel may have electrical generators driven by passage through the water to charge power packs for driving a standby source of motive power.
A mechanism for unfolding and reflecting a folding structure mounted on a central body achieves speed and position control at all times during its movement. Conventional rotating rods are eliminated. The structure consists of several elements linked together, adjacent elements being able to rotate in opposite directions about a common axis. It is applicable as a folding solar cell support for satellites.    Cables pass over freely rotatable pulleys mounted on the pivot axes between the elements. The cables alternate sides from pulley to pulley and are attached to the outermost element. Separate pulleys and cables are used for folding and unfolding.
The sun beams collected by the zone are guided to a predetermined position through a photoconductor and they are directly used as illuminating rays or utilised after they have been converted to electric energy, heat energy or the like. Sensors (SO, S1, S2) detect the total quantity of sun beams, the quantity of directly incident sun beams and the quantity of indirect sun beams.    Two sensors (S1, S2) are disposed symmetrically with each other so that one end of each sensor comes in contact periphery of the beam flux leading to the sun image formed by the lens system in a range, h, of the focal distance, f, of t the lens and the other end is located outwardly of the beam flux. The range, h, is equal to or greater than nought and equal to or less than f.
A concentrating photovoltaic solar collector comprises a reflector with a concave cross-sectional configuration which is used to receive solar radiation and concentrate it at a focus. A photovoltaic cell is positioned on a line extending from the focus to the reflector. It is placed so that its receiving surface faces the reflector. The reflector may be annular in shape and symmetrical about a reference line or it may be of an elongated cross section if the photovoltaic cell array is also of an elongated shape.    The photovoltaic array may be made up of a number of individual cells placed end to end and electrically interconnected. The photovoltaic cells normally require a means for cooling them incorporated in the rear face of the cell. The manner of achieving this is to mount them on an extrusion which provides a passage for the cell coolant fluid.    Increased performance is achieved by increasing light intensity. Cost of reflector is less than that associated with increasing number of cells.
Low grade energy is used to provide a useful energy output in apparatus which employs an aqueous working fluid and a low boiling point fluid e.g. Freon R. The apparatus has pressure vessels from which the working fluid is intermittently pumped via line into reservoir by the pressure of vapourised low b.pt. fluid derived from evaporator. The working fluid is conveyed from reservoir by drop conduit to a fluid driven device which produces mechanical or electricl power from the falling fluid. The evaporator is operated by the low grade energy source.    The low grade energy source may comprise solar energy, waste heat from combustion of fossil fuels, waste heat from the cooling water of atomic power plants and the temperature gradients occuring in bodies of water e.g. oceans.
The system has baffle walls pivotable about an axis transverse to the direction of wave motion and partially submerged. The walls are biased to tend to move oppositely to the direction and wall movement is damped when moving in the wave motion direction. The walls are pref. mounted on the sea bed and are biased by having a pref. displaced to move the centre of gravity forwardly.    Wave energy is recovered by connecting the walls to a fluid system mounted on a stationary platform such that wave action raises fluid pressure and this is used to drive a turbine and electrical generator. The fluid is water, hydrocarbon oil, hydraulic brake fluid, silicone oil, air, nitrogen or CO2.
Gps of photocells linked to electrical leads are mounted on a support panel, of material which is not electrically insulating, and heated to a temp. sufficient to fuse a transparent water-proof insulating material applied as finely divided dry particles by electrostatically assisted spraying. The operating potential relative to the supporting panel is at least 1kV. Means are provided to inhibit cooling of the panel prematurely.    Used esp. for mfr. of solar energy panels for external use, involving large numbers of photocells connected in series, to avoid air entrapment problems associated with enclosures of coatings derived from thermoplastic films or use of liquid coatings. The potentials used are practical, but restricted to levels which will not damage the cells. Thin coherent void-free coatings can be applied relatively quickly. Suitable for applying coatings of polyolefin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl or vinylidene fluorides, polyvinyl butyral, epoxy, polyester or ionomer resins.
The kinetic energy of the waves can be converted into electrical energy, in the form of D.C. current, by means of suitable equipment. This electrical energy may then be uaed locally to obtain a more convenient energy store for use elsewhere. The means for extracting the energy from the wave motion takes the form of a buoyant, helical member rotated about an axis. The pitch of the rotor may be notched to the average length of the expected waves and the axis is orientated so as to be parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The helix structure is coupled to a D.C. generator and the current produced is used to obtain hydrogen gas from sea water, by electrolysis.    Used for the extraction of energy from ocean waves with subsequent storage as hydrogen, electrolysed from sea water using the energy obtd. Energy output is both continuous and constant.
Assembly comprises a substrate carrying an adhesive layer of poly(n-butyl) acrylate; a solar cell assembly adhered on one side of the adhesive layer; an encapsulating layer of poly(n-butyl) acrylate on the other side of the solar cell assembly; and an outer weather resistant layer. The poly(n-butyl) acrylate may also contain a polymerised UV stabiliser, esp. poly(5-vinyl, 2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole).    Parent specification US 4374955 (24978 K/10) relates to polymer syrups comprising 40-70 wt.% linear, uncrosslinked poly(n-butyl) acrylate prepolymer and 30-60 wt.% n-butyl acrylate monomer. The syrups are used as adhesives and encapsulants in the solar cell assemblies.
Assembly for laminating large sheets of material (up to 4 ft. by 4 ft.) which require the application of pressure up to one atmos. to be applied to one of the laminate surfaces after heating consists of upper and lower chambers and an intermediate flexible laminate support member. The lower chamber has a steel grid system placed in it with a means for heating the laminate components which are placed on the intermediate section. The radiant energy heaters use reflectors to distribute the radiant energy evenly. When the laminate is placed on the support, vacuum is applied to both upper and lower chambers. Heat is then applied to enable any bonding agents placed between the layers of material, which are to be laminated, to soften sufficiently. After a sufficient time the upper chamber is opened to atmospheric pressure thus establishing a pressure differential which presses the laminate components together.    Lamination of large size sheet material to glass or other substrates as, for example, in the prodn. of solar cell arrays. Extra support during pressurisation is provided by the extra ribbed structure in the lower chamber. Better heating and control of laminate cooling together with selective evacuation improvements.
Reflector comprises at least 2 curved reflective segments joined together to have a common focal point, and at least one connecting plate between and connected to each segment and directed towards the focal point. There are pref. four segments each forming a quarter section of the reflector.    The segments may be of vacuum thermoformed plastics with the plates integral with the segments and a concave reflective surface formed by vacuum deposition of metal or application of metal foil and a UV-stabilised plastic carrier film on the foil to face outwardly of the segment. Alternatively, the segments may be formed of flexible sheet with the plates of insulating material to electrically isolate the segments.
Solar cells are provided with front surface metallisation and encapsulation by (a) heating the inner surface of a transparent plate (34) to soften it; (b) pressing a mesh of wires (18) fed from spools into the softened surface; and (c) bonding the inner surface of the plate and embedded wires to a semiconductor having front and rear semiconductor strata (12,14) sepd. by a pn junction (22).    The process is pref. continuous and comprises (i) stretching a number of wires (18) over an endless belt; (ii) periodically dispensing at least one metallic strip (28) over and normal to the wires extending over them as the wires are advanced by an indexing motion of the belt; (iii) periodically dispensing a transparent plate over the wires and metal strip(s); (iv) pressing the wire mesh into the softened surface of the plate; (v) periodically dispensing and mating a semiconductor wafer over the wire-contg. surface; and (vi) electrostatically bonding the plate and semiconductor surfaces with the wires making electric contact to the semiconductor.    The method is cost effective, provides good electrical contact with contact resistance e.g. 30 mohm cm2 between the grid and semiconductor, which is maintained over the service life of the cell, estimated at 20 years. Cells have been prepd. having curve fill factors of 0.69 or better.
Shunt currents, developed in the electrolyte of inter cell conduits of an electrochemical device having hydraulically and electrically series-connected cells, are minimised by forming an electrical bypass across at least two adjacent inter cell conduits and applying a protective current across the bypass in the same direction as the shunt currents and of magnitude which can effectively reduce the shunt currents.    Method is useful for photoelectrochemical devices (e.g. water photolysis cell).
A refractory crystalline oxide (MgO, Al203, MgAl204) contg. a dispersion of colloidal metal pptes. is made by exposing the metal doped refractory oxide body to a reducing atmos. at superatmospheric pressure at a temp. to effect pptn. of the metal in the lattice of the body but insufficient to effect net diffusion out of the lattice. The metal doped oxide is pref. sealed in an evacuated Ta capsule (bomb), heated to 1400-230 deg.K and quenched in liquid N2.    Used as solar selective absorber materials with high thermal stability and in data storage applications. The process parameters can be varied to control the metal pptn. and particle size which controls the optical, magnetic, electronic or mechanical properties.
An optical concentrator comprises radiation receiving and omitting areas and two reflectors between which is a host material contg. a fluorescent dye of formula M(L6)(Z) (I). (M is Ru(II), Os(II) or Ir(III); (L6) represents ligands satisfying the 6 valencies of M, at least one ligand being a heterocycle with a non-metallic donor atom; Z (not present if ML6 has no overall ionic charge) represents one or more balancing ions).    The dyes M'Y1Y2Y3Z2 and IrY4Y5W1W2W3 are new cpds. (M' is Ru(II) or Os(II); Z2 is one or two anions with overall negative charge two; Y1, Y2 and Y3 are ligands contg. 2,2'-bipyridyl or 1,10-phenanthroline residues at least one being substd.; where all Y's are 2,2'-bipyridyl the substit. is other than 4-methyl or 4-phenyl or 5-COOH, methyl or lower alkoxy carbonyl; when they are all 1,10-phenathrolines, the substit. is not 5-nitro, chloro, phenyl or methyl, 4,7-phenyl or methyl, or 5,6-methyl or oxygen. Z3 is an anion; W1 and W2 are halo; Y4 and Y5 are opt. substd. 2,2'-bipyridyl or 1,10-phenanthroline).    The devices are useful as fluorescent light-activated displays, solar collectors and dye lasers. Compared with known dyes, (I) show better ambient light absorption and reduced self-absorption, so that special additives (as described in US4260219) are not required.
Support panel for solar cells etc. comprises Al honeycomb sheet on the two surfaces of which skin elements are fixed. Each skin element comprises a layer of epoxy resin-reinforced polyparabenzamide fabric plate, and the panel is fixed at one side to a stiffening member of epoxy resin-reinforced carbon fibres.    On the other side of the panel, the exposed skin carries the solar cell assembly, the arrangement being such that the stiffening member, the panel, and the solar cell system all have the same effective coefft. of thermal expansion in a given direction parallel to the surfaces of the skin.    The arrangement is intended particularly for use in spacecraft.
Solar panel comprises a cell behind which is located an electrically conductive layer. A conductive terminal has a flat foot in contact with the cell and a connector portion which projects through an oversized aperture in the conductive layer. A high strength insulating member is located over the foot and extends to connector portion.    Pref. material for the insulation member is PTFE film 0.003 inches thick.    The insulating member prevents line to plane breakdown between the edge of the conductive layer and the foot.
The unit has a horizontal radiant and thermal energy absorber and a collector with two reflective curved surfaces extending downwardly from the absorber from the same side of a vertical plane tangent to the absorber. The surfaces are supported by and extend from opposite sides of the absorber and are in direct thermal contact with it.    The lowermost surface approaches a plane of horizontal tangency forward of that of the uppermost surface to form a solar radiation entrance aperture plane with optimum angular inclination for the latitude. The absorber may be a fluid-contg. conduit or a photovoltaic cell array. The surfaces may be of insulating polymeric foam wrapped with aluminised Mylar or aluminium foil, or may be of aluminised Mylar fabric or aluminium foil laminate in catenary suspension.
Photovoltaic solar module contains at least one solar cell which is embedded in plastic material and rests on a carrier element. The solar cell itself has been backed by a planar stiff element which is joined to the plastic material enclosing the solar cell. The flexible carrier element can be a galvanised steel wire gauze or netting.    This protects the delicate solar cell itself from bending stresses, yet makes the module flexible enough to attach to curved surfaces.
Appts. comprises a fluid-driven motor with its inlet connected to a well head to direct part of the flow through the motor, and a generator secured to the motor output shaft. The motor discharges to a pipeline and load on the generator is controlled to control the temp. of fluid flowing through the pipe.    The well flow may be passed through a separator and the gas used to drive the motor, and there may be a second generator to produce electricity while the first supplies a heater secured about the motor outlet. The load may comprise lighting, or a pump. The parent patent claims the method of generation.
A thermionic-thermoelectric generator system comprises (i) a pair of generators; (ii) output terminals for coupling the system to a load impedance; and (iii) a circuit alternately coupling each generator to the output terminals to provide continuous current flow to the load. The generators each comprise (a) a pair of axially aligned concentric metal electrode cylinders (11,20), closed at both ends to form an enclosed evacuated space; (b) thermionic electron emissive material on the inner surface (11a) of the outer, cathode, cylinder; (c) graphite coated on the outer surface (20a) of the inner, anode, cylinder; and (d) a thermopile series (32,34) nested in the inner cylinder, having its positive and negative ends coupled to anode and cathode respectively.    The circuit comprises (e) a pair of charging capacitors; (f) a pair of switching devices coupling each generator to one charging capacitor; (g) a second pair of switch devices, alternately coupling the capacitors to the output terminals; and (h) a timing control circuit periodically switching the devices so one capacitor is coupled to its generator and uncoupled to the terminals while the other is uncoupled from its generator and coupled to the terminals.    The system is a compact, portable power source, delivering useful current and voltage, e.g. 200A at 108V, for a structure 22in. long, 4 in. dia., contg. 4 x 380 thermopiles, heated to 400-450 deg.C. It is usable with conventional heat sources for electric vehicles, back-up power systems or power for residential purposes.
The electrochemical cell has a built-in device (24) to reduce its discharge to the minimum, or to prevent it from being overcharged. The device consists of a carrier plate (25) on which is mounted an integrated circuit (26) mounted inside the casing (20).    The device is connected by a resilient mounting (23) between the positive connection (28) and the electrochemical element (22) underneath. When a certain current flow is reached, the device operates to change the value of the flow, and can limit it to a maximum flow. The device can form a pulsating current flow and is also suitable for flashing indicator devices. The a.c. current passed may have pulses superimposed on it. Extra connections may be included for the control system. The cell may be a primary, secondary or fuel cell.
The generator comprises grooved or ribbed anodes which are stacked alternately with grooved or ribbed interconnections. The anodic oxidation of a gas such as hydrogen, which tends to be oxidised, and a cathodic reaction of an oxidising gas such as oxygen, combine to generate D.C. power. The grooves (12) function as gas passages and are formed to extend in the direction indicated by the arrow (A) in the lower surface of a porous carbon substrate (2) which is between 2 and 4 mm. thick and which functions as an anode. The anode catalyst layer (5) is carried on the upper surface.    A porous carbon substrate (3) of 0.4 mm. thickness functions as the cathode and is waterproofed by a polytetra fluoroethylene polymer. A cathode catalyst layer (4) is carried on the surface of the cathode substrate (3). The anode and cathode respectively oppose the two surfaces of an electrolyte matrix layer (6) and are adhered thereto to form a unit cell (22).
The assembly has a first carbonised plate (2) with one flat side (2a) and a second side (2b) with grooves (4) forming channels for carrying a cooling gas. The grooves in the plate (2) define three sides of each cooling gas channel whilst the fourth side of the channel is provided by the flat surface (3a) of the second plate (3) which is also made of a carbonised material material.    Since the cooling channels are defined by a grooved and a flat surface, misalignment problems and attendant losses in electrical conductivity and change in gas flow, are avoided and improved results obtained. The outer surfaces of the two plates (2,3) may carry process gas grooves (6,7) situated in transverse relationship without affecting cooling groove alignment. In a further embodiment a central plate which carries gas grooves on both sides is sandwiched between the flat surfaces of two outer plates.
The process is for managing electrical energy in displaced time and space by using aluminum in an oxidation-reduction cycle. Aluminum, in a pure electrolytic form, is burned to provide quantities of heat for use by any of a wide variety of heat engines to in turn generate electrical energy. For example, the heat of combustion from the aluminum may drive a turbine to generate electrical energy.    In addition to heat, combustion of the aluminum produces aluminum oxides which (at a convenient time and place) receive energy for reduction back into the metallic form of aluminum. The aluminum is thus again in an effective form for storage and movement of energy pursuant to combustion and another cycle.
Each individual cell forming the fuel stack utilizes an electrolyte which is intended to fill and saturate the porous matrix and to then keep the matrix saturated and the area around it wetted. The addition and replacement of liquid electrolyte, is carried out in a manner which alleviates flooding of the fuel cell electrodes. This is achieved by an acid channel arrangement which permits acid feed to a large number of cells without producing a large hydrostatic head.    In the single cell is an acid channel located below the matrix with a fill hole, permitting the required acid to be fed from the cell above. The electrolyte flows into the channel in the half bipolar plate portion of bipolar plate beneath the matrix. When the shim is then used, a cut through channel is provided.
The system comprises a stack (10) of fuel cells layered such that intermediate cells are sections containing cooling channels arranged so that the cooling fluids are completely segregated from the process fluids in the fuel cells. Within the fuel cell (10) the fuel and oxidant flow parallel and counter directional to each other. The recirculating loop passes the coolant from and to the stack through the conduits (52), the coolant being typically helium or air between one and ten atmospheres.    The cooling fluid flows through recirculating loop (50) which includes in addition to the cell stack, a heat exchanger (54), a pump (56) and a divertor valve (58). The valve is motor operated and modulates between the two positions determined by the controller (60). Provision is made for the discharge of some coolant fluid from the conduit (50) with fresh coolant being introduced via the make up conduit (64) from the coolant source (66).
The unit cell (10) has anode (2) and cathode (1) and is provided with a fuel tank (16) containing a controlled mixture of methanol and water. The cell is constructed with a central electrolyte chamber (13) with separate fuel and air chambers. From the fuel tank (16) to the anode of the fuel cell is the capillary or gravity path (18) via the valve (17). For a small and portable fuel cell the fuel tank can be an exchangeable container such as a cartridge or cassette.    Moisture from the fuel cell may be trapped in the trap (4) and stored in a separate water tank (19) or retuned to the main tank. The ratio of the mixture of alcohol to ate is adjusted to be 1 to 1 although in usage it may be decreased, as the water tends to ooze out from the fuel chamber and into the air chamber.
Generator system comprising several parallel driven fuel cells that have several series-connected (electrically) or parallel connected mixing chambers on the fuel side, the chambers being arranged in a pile, is arranged to uniformly load each fuel cell and to provide high efficiency with a parallel drive arrangement of the fuel cells.    Each of the parallel connected fuel cells (6,7 or 8,9) is connected to a control circuit that has an interrupter comprising gated switching elements (17,20) and having connection to the cells outputs. Triggering circuits are provided to fire the gated elements (17,20) such that the interrupter output current can be set to a predetermined value.
Combustion prods. are dissociated into component fuel part and oxygen by accelerating the gaseous combustion prod. cpd. to a high kinetic energy in a tube which promotes ionisation before passing the gases through a porous catalyst plug. The contg. tube is constructed of an inner lining of non-magnetic electrically conducting material covered by a layer of N type and then a layer of P type semiconductor material esp. silicon. This arrangement allows an excess of electrons to be added to the material in the tube.    The tube may be arranged as a helical coil of elliptical cross-section tube. The fluid is accelerated by a sweeping magnetic field around the tube which may be heated by a heat transfer fluid flowing outside it. Once the prods. esp. hydrogen and oxygen have been formed they are sepd. and collected.    Used in the dissociation of combustion prods. such as water and carbon dioxide to fuel and oxygen, esp. the dissociation of water. Dissociation is achieved without recourse to high voltages by using the kinetic energy of the gases. The device provides a simple, inexpensive and efficient means of splitting the combustion prods.
Operating a chemically regenerable fuel cell comprises: (a) providing a reducible catholyte soln. which is reoxidised from a reduced state to an oxidised state by direct exposure to oxygen; (b) providing an oxidisable anolyte soln. which is reduced from an oxidised state by direct exposure to hydrogen; (c) exposing the catholyte soln. to oxygen at a first reservoir heated to a temp. suitable for the oxidation; (d) exposing the anolyte soln. to hydrogen at a second reservoir heated to a temp. suitable for the redn.; (e) providing a cation exchange membrane and circulating the catholyte and anolyte solns. to opposite faces of the membrane and to respective first and second reservoirs, so that the catholyte soln. is alternately oxidised at the first reservoir and reduced at the ore face of the cation exchange membrane, while the anolyte soln. is reduced at the second reservoir and oxidised at the second face of the membrane.    The catholyte and anolyte remain functionally intact, the fuel being H2 and the oxidant is O2 and these are the only substances spent during operation. The regeneration takes place away from the cell and at a different temp. permitting simple unsophisticated operation without the need for expensive catalysed 3-phase conventional electrode, while the efficiency remains high.
Ionically conductive sulphur glasses are formed from a mixt. of non metal sulphides of B, Si, Ge and an alkali metal sulphide. The mixt. is fused in an oxygen free water free atmos. (N2 or inert gas) and supercooled to below the glass transition temp. (at over 500 deg.C/sec.) by casting into metal moulds. To ensure the rapid cooling the moulds must have sufficient mass and heat capacity to prevent the temperature rising above the glass transition temp. or by casting thin layers up to 1 cm thick. Other non metal sulphides used are those of elements of Groups IIIA, IVA and VA of the Periodic Table.    Used as an electrolyte in electrochemical or fuel cells. Improved ionic conductivity.
Fuel cell appts. includes (a) an enclosed space; (b) two spaced hollow electrically conductive electrode enclosures in the space, each open at both ends and contg. electrically conductive pellets retained by screens; and (c) external connections to electrodes.    The appts. is operated by (i) passing aq. electrolyte at elevated pressure sequentially and axially through the enclosures; (ii) supplying oxidising gas to one end of the first enclosure; (iii) supplying fuel, pref. aq. slurry of fuel particles, to the region between electrodes or inside the second enclosure; and (iv) flowing electrolyte fast enough to fluidise the pellets and transport ions formed at the first electrode into the second electrode enclosure.    The cells may be used for electricity or prod. generation, located in disused boreholes for operation at elevated temp. and press. for high rate, with high safety factors and low heat loss.
Appts. for generating energy from the oxidn. of Al (alloys) comprises: means for breaking up the continuity of the oxide surface layer by exposing the surface to an Hg, In or Ga-contg. substance; a reaction chamber for exposing the treated Al to an oxidiser comprising a neutral saline, mildly alkaline or mildly acidic electrolyte; and a solid or slurry-type Al anode electro-chemical cell for using the resulting energy.    Used esp. in utilisation of scrap Al (alloy) such as disposable cans etc.. Appts. makes efficient use of Al (alloy) scrap.
Current breaker has its construction simplified, for use in chemical current sources with a circulating electrolyte to prevent the current leakage via the electrolite.    The electrical circuit is always broken by the rigid partition (7), which divides the containers (6) with corrugated walls (12,13) into separate cavities (7,8) and by one of the three-way gates (4,5) during the continuous liquid flow. The switching-over of gates is caused by the hydraulic pressure in the main line (1). When the partition (7) is near the border position, and the levers (14,15) reach the ends of cuts (18,19) in the thrusts (16,17), then the force of thrusts (16,17) rises and overcomes the magnetic force, which holds gates (4,5).    Both switches (4,5) are driven into the other position. Then the electrolite is fed to the cavity (8), while the cavity (9) pushes the electrolite into the main line (1). Bul.6/15.2.83
Solid electrolyte, Na3Sc2(PO4)3 with a sodium cationic activity and decreased permeability is produced by mixing Na and Sc phosphates in 1:2 molar ratio, heating the mixt. to 1150-1200 deg. C washing it, pressing and sintering at 1440-1450 deg. C.
Compsn. comprises in wt.%: (a) 0.45-5.5 organic water soluble binder with a viscosity less than 10,000 poises at 20 deg. C and decomposing at 1-0-500 deg. C (pref. pref. PVA, (b) 1.5-4 starch decomposing at 250-535 deg. C pref. cornstarch, the decompsn. temp. of the binder and starch being at least 50 deg. C apart; (c) 1.5-3.5 cellulose; (d) 0.5-2 dispersant pref. NH3 neutralised condensed naphthalene sulphonic acid; (e) 7-11 water; (f) 75-89 refractory (calcia stabilised ZrO2).    Used for forming a fired ceramic tube sealed with a ceramic plug of one end for fuel cells. Strong, high electrical resistance tubes which do not cure during firing are obtd.
Combined electrical insulator and gas seal for use between a reactant gas plenum and a fuel cell stack consists of straight and angled segments connected by sliding splines to form a frame with seals on each face engaging the gas plenum and the cell stack.    The splines pref. comprise keys which slide across the thickness of the segments and engage the seals, the spline keys and the seals pref. form a labyrinth path for minimising gas leakage.    Insulator/seal minimises lateral movement between cell stack and gas plenum walls and absorbs difference in expansion between frame material and the members it is sealing.
Sulphur-tolerant, high activity steam reforming catalyst comprises (a) rhodium supported on a lanthanum stabilised alumina carrier, opt. promoted by magnesium; or (b) nickel supported on a Mg-promoted, La-stabilised alumina carrier.    The rhodium catalyst pref. contains 0.01-6 wt.%, esp. 0.1-1 wt.% Rh and the carrier is pref. Mg-promoted. The nickel catalyst pref. contains 1-50 wt.%, esp. 10-25 wt.% Ni.    The catalyst is suitable for use in tubular, autothermal adiabatic or cyclic reformers. It enables heavier distillates than usual, e.g. No. 2 fuel oil, which cannot be adequately hydrodesulphurised first, to be used as reformer feed, e.g. for fuel cell applications.
An electrode for an electrochemical cell comprises a conductive substrate (12) having a film (24) of a stable, electrolyte permeable, charge mediating, conductive polymer contg. quaternised bipyridyl groups deposited on its surface (20). The polymer contains crosslinks between unsatd. gps. on different polymer chains.    The cell is used in the photolysis of water by solar energy to produce hydrogen gas. Electron transport between the electrode substrate (12) and mediator film (24) is favourable and photo-corrosion and recombination processes are suppressed.
Metal hydride for storing H2 is held in an elongated tubular casing closed at one end and with a terminal at the other end through which H2 enters to pass through a filter before entering the hydride. The H2 enters the hydride from a peripheral cylindrical gap or an axial bore, and in either case first passes through a hydrogen-resistant fabric, e.g. a braid of stainless steel wire up to 0.04 mm dia. with mesh size up to the same value. The fabric when formed as the lining of an axial bore is made by bending a flat portion of fabric and seam-welding.    A number of elements are combined to form an energy storage unit. Reduced mean flow path ensures more effective charging and discharging and improves temp. and pressure distribution.
Water vapour is decomposed into H2 and O2 by (a) supplying water vapour to the cathode of an electrolysis cell using solid oxide electrolyte having high O ion conduction, and operating at 350-1000 deg.C. while supplying SO2 gas to the anode, generating H2 gas and a mixt. of SO2 and SO3 gases; (b) collecting H2 from the cathode; (c) passing SO3 to a redn. reactor operating at a temp. for catalytically decomposing SO3 to SO1 and O2; (d) collecting O2; and (e) passing SO2 gas from (c) to the anode of the cell of (a).    The water vapour supplied to the cell cathode reacts with O vacancies in the lattice of the oxide electrolyte to produce H2 gas and O ions which pass through the electrolyte to electrochemically oxidise SO2 at the anode.    H2 is produced without using hydrocarbon fuels, using a small amt. of electrical energy and a large amt. of heat which may be from a nuclear reactor. Cycle efficiency may be over 50%.
Fuel element for a liq. fuel cell has the fuel chemically or physically treated so it assumes a non-fluidised state, and can be returned to the intial liq. fuel at any time by physical or chemical means. The liq. fuel is pref. adsorbed by an adsorbing agent or chemically reacted with another substance to form solid salts or polymers. The fuel element is pref. contained in a cartridge, esp. wrapped in a fibrous substrate and contained in a cartridqe.    A liq. fuel cell contains an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte between them, and has a detachable cartridge contg. a fuel element as above attached to the cell via a check valve preventing electrolyte flowing back into the fuel cartridge.    The fuel cell can be used by ordinary people, as there is no risk of fuel leakage. The cartridge is supplied with fuel in solidified form, and is activated after attachment by adding water and/or heat to render the fuel liq. and activated the cell. The graph shows operation of such a cell, at 40mA/cm2, using an air blower to supply air oxidant, with the fuel element renewed at A and B.
In the prodn. of an electrode by pouring a suspension of a powdered catalyst, contg. a noble metal, carbon powder and a binder, over a carbon substrate which is then dried, compressed and sintered, carbon paper is placed on the surface of the substrate before compressing and sintering.    The use of the carbon paper interface eliminates the need for a platinum spacer as used in prior art, the carbon paper allows better ion transfer than the platinum and therefore permits the cell to operate at a lower voltage for the same current density. The electrode can be a cathode or anode in the prodn. of H2 from water.
Multicomponent material of disordered compsn. for the reversible storage of H2 consists of a matrix of light element(s) (I) contg. modifying element(s) (II) which produce the disordered state to improve the H2 storage properties.    Pref. (II) can be another light element which increases the density of the storage sites for H atoms by interaction with H atoms or a transition or rare earth metal which increases the density of the catalytic sites for the dissociation of H2 into H atoms. The material is polycrystalline, microcrystalline and/or amorphous. Pref. (I) is Mg, Ca, Si, Al, B or C and (II) Fe, Cu, Mo, Ni, Al, C or O.    The material is useful for storing H2 during transport or for use as fuel for vehicles, machines, plants and fuel cells. It is suitable for large scale applications, having a greater H2 storage capacity than crystalline monophase matrices, satisfactory absorption and desorption properties and resistance to poisoning.
Electrochemical system comprises an electrochemical cell having electrodes and two compartments sepd. by an ion exchange membrane and contg. water based electrolytes at least one of which contains a complexing agent and a salt of a multivalent metal whose order of potential for redox couples in water is reversed by the addition of the complexing agent pref. having a boiling temp. of 30-90 C, in an amount sufficient to cause the reversal.    The complexing agent is present in at least that amount. The electrolyte contg. the complexing agent is converted with a third electrolyte during operation of the cell. Means are provided for regenerating the electrolyte in a sequence of steps including heating to remove at least part of the complexing agent to reverse the order of potentials, and form a fourth electrolyte. Further means are provided for adding the complexing agent to a fifth electrolyte derived from the electrolytes in the cell to form the original electrolyte.    The method utilises low grade heat at fairly low temps. (i.e. below 400 deg. C and pref. below 200 deg. C) from heat sources such as solar collectors or from industrial operations with energy savings. The system does not require distn. of the metal salt in the electrolyte as in prior art, and does not use the regenerative energy to decompose reaction prods. to reform the initial electrolytes.
Cathode, for electrolytic hydrogen prodn. from an aq. alkaline electrolyte, has on (part of) its surface a layer of Ni or a Ni alloy selected from Ni-Fe alloys, Ni-Co alloys, Ni-Co-Fe alloys contg. at least 60 wt.% Ni, and Ni alloys contg. up to 25 wt.% total of one or more of Cr, Mo, V and W. Provided on the Ni (alloy) is a structure resulting from direct electrochemical cathode action on an adherent non-spinel oxide produced by thermal oxidn. of the Ni (alloy).    The cathode has high electrolytic hydrogen evolution activity and low hydrogen generation overpotential and is made more readily and more cheaply than the cathode described in EP--9406.
Traction generator excitation current regulation system limits the traction motor speed, at the small moment of the motion of the transport vehicle and can be used in control of the electrically supplied autonomous transportation carriers, diesel locomotives and trucks.    The diesel (2) engine drives the generator (1), which provides the driving power for the motor (3). The voltage (9) and current (8) transducers provide signals for units (4-7), which shape the feedback signals, which are proportional to the current, power and speed of the traction motor (3). The signal, which is proportional to the traction motor speed is calculated by the unit (7) and it is applied via the signal comparator (14) to the generator excitation winding (16) by the excitation current regulator (15). Bul.46/15.12.82.
A fuel cell comprises (a) an electrolyte ion exchange membrane; (b) an oxidiser electrode fixed to, pref. supported by, one side of the membrane, comprising a mixt. of noble metal particles and water repellant particles; (c) a hydrophilic fuel electrode fixed to, pref. supported by, the opposite side of the membrane; (d) an oxidiser supply to the oxidiser electrode; and (e) a methanol supply to the fuel electrode.    The oxidiser electrode pref. comprises gp. VIII metal particles. esp. Pt, Ru, Pd and/or Rh, esp. having a coating wt. 1-6 mg/cm2 and particle size 6-8nm. The water repellant particles are pref. PTFE, styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, polyethylene or fluorocarbon, esp. 0.1-1 micron particle size. The fuel electrode pref. comprises only gp. VIII noble metal particles, esp. coating wt. 1-6 mg/cm2. The noble metal particles are esp. Pt-Ru mixt.    A fuel cell with an integral water repellant oxidiser electrode and integral fuel electrode has improved performance, e.g. OCV 0.83V, cell voltage at 5mA/cm2 = 0.22V, compared with OCV 0.75V, cell voltage at 5mA/cm2 0.14V for cell with separately supported electrodes. Assembly time is reduced to about 1/5 that for separate electrodes.
A fused carbonate fuel cell comprises an electrolytic body holding an electrolyte arranged between an anode and a cathode. The electrolytic body comprises (a) electrolyte; (b) an electrolyte retaining material; and (c) an inorganic binder, pref. an inorganic polymer, esp. a metal salt of a polyacid, esp. alkali metal salt. Electricity is electrochemically generated by feeding fuel to a fuel chamber on the anode side of the cell, and oxidant to an oxidant chamber on the cathode side.    The electrolytic body has good moulding properties, high mechanical strength, excellent electrolyte capacity and allows stable high cell capacity. It is free from warping and cracking during prepn. and operation.
Method of processing lithium comprises the steps of (1) providing an electrolyte contg. lithium moieties and a mixt. of nitrate moieties, the electrolyte having a m.pt. of 100-170 deg. C; (2) contacting the electrolyte with an amt. of elemental Li; and (3) selectively conducting Li ions between the electrolyte and the elemental Li whilst maintaining the electrolyte in the molten state at 100-170 deg. C.    A pref. electrolyte is of 41% Li nitrate and 59% K nitrate, maintained at 130-135 deg. C. Parent specification US4315059 (15759 E/08) relates to electrochemical cells contg. the molten mixed nitrate electrolytes and useful as prim. batteries.    The electrolytes melt at moderate temps. so that the cells can be run at lower temps. than previously, thus reducing corrosion and other problems, do not need expensive purification, and have a wide range of electrochemical stability.
The invention particularly relates to the electrical bus connection structure for bringing electrical power out of a high temperature fuel cell generator of the solid electrolyte form which utilises an electrochemical combustion reaction between an oxidant and a fuel gas. The oxidant and fuel gas are combined at the fuel electrode to directly convert the chemical energy of the fuel into direct current electrical energy.    The generator housing (12) surrounds an array of elongated tubular fuel cell elements (14), which are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. Metallic felt pads (16) provide parallel interconnection between adjacent fuel cells and between fuel cells and electrode buses. A pair of output buses (18,20) extends from opposed sides of the cell array and are insulated through the housing (12). Connection between electrode buses (24) and output buses (18,20) is by transverse conductive members (26) with the intervening spaces filled with thermal insulation (28).
Cathode for generating H2 at the interface of an aq. alkaline soln. and the cathode, and recovering H2, comprises a hydrogenated species of ABn material including an AB5 phase. A is a rare earth metal of Ca or mixts., and up to 0.2 at. may be replaced with an equal number of Zr and/or Th ats. B is Ni and/or Co, with up to 1.5 ats. replaced by an equal number of Cu, Al, Sn, Fe and/or Cr ats. The particles of ABn material are not more than 20 micron in size, and are bonded by a metallic or electrically conductive plastic binder. The ABn particles are bonded by sintering with Ni or Fe powder, or the ABn particles are bonded by plastic binder including fibrillated PTFE rendered electroconductive by Pt black. The ABn material is pref. formed into a fine powder not more than 20 micron by alternately hyriding and dehyriding, before bonding.    The cathodes have very low overpotential for H2 generation, e.g. as low as 43 mV/ at 200 mA/cm2, compared with 300 mA at 200 mA/cm2 for conventional low cost cathodes.
Supported Ni-gp. metal (Ni) catalyst contains the metal chemically bound to a highly porous amorphous SiO2 carrier in an amt. sufficient to form a mono-layer on up to 50 (up to 25)% of the BET surface area of the carrier.    Pref. the carrier is SiO2 xerogel with a specific surface area of ca. 800 m2/g and average pore size of 0.4-2.0 nm. The electrical neutrality of the catalyst surface is maintained only by protons.    The catalyst is useful in the prodn. of H2 (for fuel) from an alkanol (MeOH). It provides a more effective means for the storage and transport of H2, since liquid MeOH is used as H2 store.
A one piece integral reactor is described, for use in a fuel cell, comprising a number of stacked planar parallel sheets of fluid impermeable, oxygen ion permeable solid electrolyte. Each sheet has a number of parallel elongated channels sepd. by ribs. The sheets are divided into two groups interposed alternately, the channels of the first group forming an angle with the channels of the second group.    The channels of the first group contain a catalystic oxygen-dissociating material while those of the second group contain a catalyst for promoting oxidation reactions.    Electrolyte surface to reactor volume ratios of 10cm2 electrolyte per cm3 of reactor volume are possible, a factor of 10 higher than those of prior art, leading to high power densities. (First major country equivalent to J58137973-A)
Process for prodn. of hydrogen comprises passing an electric current through an aq. electrolyte between an anode and a hydrogen evolution cathode consisting of a monolithic structure with a surface formed from an integral precursory, adherent Raney Beta phase ternary alloy (Ni)x(Mo)yA13 in which x=80-95%, y=20-5% and x+y=100%, and which has had 75-95% of the aluminium leached from the surface with a strong aq. base so as to form an active porous Raney Beta phase Ni-Mo surface layer so that the hydrogen overvoltage of the surface is reduced.    The cell may be divided into anode and cathode compartments by means of a membrane made from a perfluorinated polymer having lateral side chains chosen from carboxylic acid and sulphonic acid functional gps.    The cathode have a low overvoltage for use as a hydrogen evolution cathode in an electrolytic cell.
Reticulate electrode for use in electrolysis of an aq. soln. of ionisable cpds. is made by (a) fixing filaments of metal or metal sensitised plastic to a support fabric to form a network of filaments; (b) electroplating an electroconductive metal onto the filaments, forming metal coated filaments with inter-filament bonding at contacting sites; (c) removing the support fabric leaving the reticulate electrode of metal coated filaments having a porosity at least 80%; and (d) depositing a coating of hydrophobic coating agent on only one surface of the electrode. The hydrophobic coating agent is pref. a thermoplastic polymer from polyolefins, polyhaloolefins, polyarylene sulphides and sulphone polymers.    The electrode is used in cells producing hydrogen, chlorine and bromine. The reticulate electrode has high surface area, and the coating provides a nucleation site for bubbles at the back surface, reducing bubble formation at the face and interior, improving electrolyte flow-through, and reducing cell voltage, e.g. polarisation voltage of Ni coated filaments in NaOH reduced to -1.400 from -1.470mV.
A molten carbonate fuel cell comprises (a) a pair of electrodes; (b) a porous body impregnated with a metal carbonate (mixt.) electrolyte sandwiched between the electrodes, comprising a refractory, non-electron-conductive inorganic material contg. sufficient Li titanate to stabilise the material at operating temp.; (c) an oxidant passage supplying oxidant gas to one electrode; and (d) a fuel passage supplying H2-enriched fuel gas to the other electrode. The porous body pref. contains 50 wt.% or more Li titanate, up to 100% Li titanate. The Li titanate may be in the form of fibres and/or powder, pref. with 3 (esp. 10) wt.% or more fibres, remainder powder. The Li titanate fibres are pref. 1 micron or less average dia., 10-100 micron long. The electrolyte body pref. comprises 30-60 wt.% electrolyte retaining material, 70-40 wt.% electrolyte to 100 wt.%.    The electrolyte body remains stable in long term contact with corrosive alkali metal carbonates and has excellent mechanical strength. It remains crack free after frequent heat cycles and provides stable long term operation, e.g. no noticeable performance drop after 100 hr. successive operation, and no gas crossover or gas leakage from the wet seal after repeated operation and shut-down (650-300 deg.C). (First major country equivalent to J58131662-A)
Leak and impact resistant construction for electrochemical system comprises a series of leak resistant compartments nested within each other comprising (a) an inner compartment for storing a second phase; (b) a second compartment surrounding the first, contg. a first electrolyte, pref. catholyte, from which the second phase separates, for circulation through the cell; (c) a third compartment surrounding the second compartment, contg. a second electrolyte, pref. anolyte, for circulation through the cell; and (d) an outer casing surrounding the compartment. The system is pref. a Zn-Br electrochemical cell, the second phase is a Br rich phase.    The system avoids or reduces the risk of spilling corrosive reactants in the event of rupture, e.g. of corrosive Br and Br rich cpds. which are in the inner compartments. It is useful for lightweight systems for e.g. vehicular battery systems.
A qas is electrochemically reacted with a liq. in an electrochemical cell having at least two electrodes sepd. by a liq. permeable separator, where at least one electrode is porous and self draining and supports the separator.    The cell is operated by (a) flowing gas into (a portion of) the pores of the self-draining electrode; (b) controllably flowing liq. through the separator and into the self-draining electrode at a rate = drainage rate of the electrode and in an amt. sufficient to fill only a portion of the electrode pores; (c) electrochemically reacting the gas with the liq. to form at least one nonvolatile prod.; and (d) removing electrochemical prods. from the self-draining electrode. The amt. and rate of liq. flowing through the separator is pref. controlled by (i) adjusting the area of the separator contacted by the liq.; or (ii) adjusting the atmospheric press. exerted on the liq..    The electrode pores are neither completely gas filled nor flooded by electrolyte, both slowing down the reaction. The method is useful for prodn. of H2O2, or prodn. of Cl2 and caustic, or in fuel cells for energy generation.
A graphitised C-contg. component for an electrochemical cell is prepd. by (a) intimately mixing C with an aq. soln. of boric acid; (b) removing water from the mixt.; and (c) heating in an inert atmos. at a temp. sufficient to graphitise the mixt., pref. at 1000-2500 deg. C.    In an alternative embodiment, the C is mixed with an aq. soln. of Si oxide or Si silicate, and the pref. graphitisation temp. for (c) is 1400-2500 deg. C.    A fuel cell includes a component of graphitised C doped with B or Si, pref. characterised by a half unit cell c dimension of less than 3.47 Angstroms. The component may be the cathode, a current collector or a separator plate.    The carbon component has enhanced corrosion resistance and is esp. useful in an acid electrolyte fuel cell operated at above 200 deg. C. Corrosion current is smaller (e.g. 0.0019-0.0029 mA/mg compared with 0.0049mA/mg, after 1000 min.) and surface area retention is higher, e.g. 92-95m2/g compared with 65m2/g).
The yield of oxygen and hydrogen on current is raised if solar cell anode is made from mixt. amts. (in mol.%): polycrystalline rutile (I) 99.5-99.7 and powdered Re dopant 0.3-0.5.    Powdered rutile and Re are mixed, briquetted and fired in vacuo in sealed quartz at a temp. rising from 20-1000 deg. C over a 10 hr. period. The alloyed rutile is pressed into tablets at 1400-1500 deg. C to density 4g/cc. The tablets are heated in air at 800 deg. C for 2 hrs. to reduce stress and the no. of O2 vacancies.    The cathode is a Ni or p-type semiconductor in N.H2SO4; the anode is immersed in N.NaOH. The efficiency of these cells is 1.2-1.35% against 1.1% for present cells. The short circuited current density is 0.92 mA/sq.cm. The cell operated well under cosmic conditions. Bul.40/30.10.82
Material having carbon-degradable content is heat treated to convert the degradable material to carbon by (i) dividing a temp. range into at least two intervals, the first capable of supporting max. heating rate (I) and the second a max. rate (II) without blistering; (ii) heating at a rate not greater than max. rate (I); and (iii) heating at a rate different from max. rate (I) and not greater than max. rate (II).    The carbon degradable material pref. comprises a resin, more pref. Varcum 29-703 resin.    The heat treatment is partic. for prepn. of fuel cell plates, and is rapid while avoiding undesirable effects such as blistering and increases in through porosity.
The fuel cell stack comprises cooling assemblies and fuel cells situated between successive cooling assemblies conductors connect the first and second of the cooling assemblies establishing a short circuit path which electrically bypasses the fuel cells situated between the first and second cooling assemblies.    The first and second cooling assemblies can each have passages for carrying a cooling gas. Each conductive connector has one end extending into and along a first end of a passage of the first cooler and another end extending into and along a first end of a different passage of the second cooler. The passages of the first cooler into which the conductors extend and the passages of the second cooler into which the conductors extend can be selected to reduce cooling of the stack by the amount of cooling required to cool the cells between said first and second coolers
Electrolytic system is claimed comprising anode, cathode, and at least one electrolyte contg. trifluoromethane sulphonic acid (TFMSA) in soln. Pref. one of the electrodes at least is composed of a porous, gas-fed structure, and incorporates a catalyst of Au, Pt, Pd, Ag or spinels of Ni or Co.    The system is claimed for mfr. of gas, esp. Cl2, for salt electrolysis for obtg. cations and as a metal air battery or fuel cell. The TFMSA lowers the cathode polarisation.
Integral separator and spacer for an electrochemical cell comprises a sheet disposed between adjacent cell electrodes. A frame is arranged about a microporous web in order to form internal compartments between the sheet and the electrodes. A surface on each side of the web is covered with projections for maintaining a spaced compartmental distance between the separator-spacer and the adjacent electrodes.    Cell construction is for use in vehicular battery systems. The integral sheet reduces space, parts and cost. There is a redn. in gas entrapment. The sheet is lightweight and can be stacked with electrodes and other sheets to form a compact, leakproof assembly.
Chemically regenerable redox fuel cell is described in which the oxidant is O2 and the fuel H2. The cell uses a catholyte soln. which is reoxidised from a reduced state to an oxidised state by direct exposure to oxygen. The cell also uses an anolyte soln. which is reduced by direct exposure to H2.    A structure is provided for containing the soln. in separate containers and for providing O2 to the catholyte and H2 to the anolyte. A cationic exchange membrane is enclosed in a housing and provided with volumes on either side of the membrane to accomodate the soln., together with necessary plumbing and electrical systems needed to supply the gases and solns. and to obtain from the cationic exchange membrane the electrical potential generated.    The method avoids an expensive catalysed three-phase conventional electrode so keeping costs to a min. while retaining high efficiency.
Planar, fluid-impermeable ceramic sheet is described having two parallel major surfaces and number of parallel load-bearing ribs originating in the first surface and extending perpendicularly from it to a uniform height. The ribs define channels for transporting gaseous materials when the sheets are stacked upon each other. The sheet is composed of a solid electrolyte material capable of transporting oxygen ions. The channels are coated with a continuous layer of electrically conductive material for catalysing chemical reactions in the gases transported through the channels.    The ceramic sheets are used in fuel cell reactors operating on H2 or CO2 as fuel. Electrolyte surface to reactor volume ratios of 10 are possible i.e. an order of magnitude greater than those of prior art, leading to higher power densities.
In a fuel cell using molten carbonate as the electrolyte contained within an electrolyte body (1) in the pores of a porous electrolyte retainable material, a cathode (2) is provided on one side of each electrolyte body (1) with an anode on the other side. Cell frames (4) each containing a fuel compartment (6) are disposed on the non-electrolyte side of the anode. An oxidising agent compartment is formed between the cell frame (5) and the cathode (2).    The electrolyte body (1) has a structure of an alkali carbonate retained in a porous electrolyte-retainable material prepared by entangling lithium aluminate fibres. A gas mixture of 50/50 hydrogen and nitrogen is led to the anode whilst a 25/25/50 mixture of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen is led to the cathode.
Oxidn. reactions and unsatn. producing reactions are carried out in a solid-state electrocatalytic reactor for electrolytic energy conversion and chemicals prodn. (A). Additional reactions, including oxidn., addn. and electrolysis reactions, are carried out in a solid-state electrocatalytic cross flow monolith which has high ion transport surface area per reactor vol. (B).    The electrocatalytic conversion is used in fuel cells. High yield electrocatalytic energy conversions and chemical prodns. are obtd.
High temp. solid electrolyte fuel cell generator comprises (a) a housing with several chambers including generator and combustion prod. chambers; (b) a porous barrier sepg. these two chambers; (c) several elongated annular fuel cells each having an electrochemically active length disposed inside the generator chamber (d) appts. for flowing first gaseous reactant through the annular fuel cells and through the porous separator into the combustion prod. chamber; (e) appts. flowing second gaseous reactant into the generator chamber, about the fuel cells, and through the porous barrier into the combustion prod. chamber; (f) appts. for segregating the two gaseous reactant prior to entry of each into the combustion prod. chamber.    The system is less complex than the prior art shell and tube heat exchanger type structures and does not need such complex sealing as the prior art system. The system provides a large degree of freedom in thermal expansion of components. Fuel combinant communication is primarily between depleted fuel and depleted oxidant and hence can be controlled.
Method of coating a substrate with beta-alumina, comprises forming a powdered mixt. of 80-95 wt.% beta-Al2O3 and 5-20% alkali metal carbonate and spraying the powder through a heat source sufficient to melt the material onto the substrate.    The coated substrate may be used as sodium membrane in a Na/S battery. Process can rapidly form thick coatings without unduly heating the substrate. Adherence to the substrate is excellent.
Catalytic electrode comprises a supporting electrical conductor carrying an adherent catalytic metal in a thickness of at least 10 Angstroms and in at least a catalytic amt., on a predetermined surface, the conductor comprising Si, Ti, Ta or Nb and the catalytic metal Pt, Pd, Ni, Rh or Ir.    The catalytic metal may be in the form of discrete islands or a continuous interconnected network or it has a thickness of at least 20 Angstroms and is in the form of a continuous solid film. The electrical conductor has a protective oxide coating on it where exposed. Pref. catalyst is Pt. The electrode is esp. for use in electrolysing HBr, in fuel cells or as oxygen electrode in batteries, using as little as possible of the catalysing metal and overcoming problems associated with the native oxide on the surface of the supporting electrical conductor without resorting to repeated sputter etching to remove the oxide.
Sinterable "fluorite" oxides (a), which may be partly or completely stabilised contain in moles 0.05-1.0% of MgO added to aid sintering. The oxide particles (a) pref. have a max. size of 1000 nm., pref. 400 nm., and esp. max. 100 nm. Oxides (a) are pref. ZrO2 (which may contain HfO2); CeO2; ThO2; or a solid soln. of two or more of these oxides.    A pref. oxide is ZrO2 contg. in moles 6-16, esp. 10-14% CaO and 0.05-0.15% MgO; another pref. oxide is ZrO2 contg. 2-12, esp. 6-10% Y2O3 and 0.2-0.5% MgO. The oxide mixts. are pref. made into mouldings sintered below the temp. at which a liq. phase occurs to obtain min. 96% of the theoretical density (TD) esp. by sintering at 1600-1800 deg.C.    ZrO2 is important as a solid ion conductor in batteries, fuel cells or oxygen determn. appts., but is difficult to sinter. CeO2 and ThO2 are also difficult to sinter. The MgO addn. lowers the sintering temp., e.g. ZrO2 + 12% CaO + 0.1% MgO, with size 40 nm can be sintered at 1450 deg.C for 4 h to obtain 98% TD.
The surface of the solid electrolyte is treated with a predominantly amorphous glass, which is an ion conductor of the same type as the electrolyte, and which pref. forms a solid cpd. with the latter. The glass is pref. based on SiO2, TiO2, and M2O, where M is an alkali metal, and the glass is pref. at least 75% amorphous. The glass pref. contains in moles 25-35% Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O and/or Cs2O, 10-20% TiO2, rest SiO2; and the esp. pref. compsn. (PC) is 33.3% Na2O, 16.6% TiO2, rest SiO2. The solid electrolytes are pref. Nasicon (RTM)=Na3Zr2Si2PO12; beta-alumina=89% Al2O3, 9% An2O, 2% MgO; beta-eucryptite= LiAlSiO4; or Li3N. The glass is pref. applied as a coating, by melting, vapour deposition, sputtering, or plasma spraying.    Prevents the solid electrolyte from being attacked by corrosive materials, and also the growth of dendrites on the electrolyte.
Improved electrolytic splitting of water molecules uses a varying alternating current to supply energy to the molecules in resonance with the vibrational energy of the molecule. The AC is supplied by an electronic function generator which is capable of providing current at 20-200 Hz modulated on a carrier wave of 200-100,000 Hz to a 'Thermodynamic device' where the splitting of the molecules takes place. This device consists of a central electrode through which the water is supplied and an outer cylindrical electrode. The two electrodes are separated by a vitreous ceramic insulator.    The device may be used to supply O2 and H2 gas. The H2 may be used as a fuel and the O2 may be used as an oxidant. The device is more efficient at splitting water than conventional electrolysis techniques or more recent speculative developments such as artificial chloroplasts, membranes or catalysts.
Water electrolysis cells are provided with a heat exchanger, so waste heat in the cells can be used to heat another part of an energy conversion plant. The pref. plant consists of a thermal power station generating steam used to drive a turbine coupled to an electricity generator. Part of the electricity obtd. is fed into a mains supply network, whereas the remainder is fed into the electrolysis cells to mfr. hydrogen and oxygen.    The heat exchanger in the cells is pref. used to supply heat to a preheater through which condensed steam from the turbine flows before being recycled to a feed water tank supplying a steam generator.    Increased thermal efficiency is obtd.
Fuel cell temp. control assembly comprises an outer valve member including three ports; two which receive supply gas at two different temps. and a third which connects to the input port of the fuel cell. An inner valve cylinder has an input coupling port and output coupling port, and is movably mounted in the outer valve member. The input port overlaps the first two ports of the outer valve member and the output port communicates with the third port of the outer valve member.    The assembly is simple and can control start-up flue gas delivery as well as supply gas delivery during cell operation, enabling temp. control to be maintained from start-up to full operation.
The sub-assembly relates to fuel cells which are arranged in a stacked formation of sub-assemblies. Each sub-assembly includes a series of bipolar plates (3) and composites (4) comprised of anode and cathode electrodes sandwiching a matrix. The plates (3) are provided with process gas passages (6) to carry or duct the gas to the respective cells.    The plates (3) and composites (4) are held together to form a complete unit, by having holes in each plate and composite, when assembled, form axial passages which are then filled with a high strength adhesive to provide the mechanical connection. Cooling devices are provided at one or both ends of the assembly with each assembly including a first half cooling plate (9) at its upper end and a second half cooling plate (11) at its lower end.
A pack has a number of cells held together by securements within the pack. There are pref. one or more passages through the pack and the securements are within the passages and comprise solidified high-strength adhesive and/or a dowel pin, rivet, screw or bolt.    There may also be high-strength adhesive in peripheral contacting surface areas of adjacent cells, and the securements also hold a cooling plate in position on each end of the pack with the plates having channels to carry a cooling gas. The arrangement eliminates external mechanical connectors which would make the pack bulky and difficult to handle.
The circuit for converting solar radiation into electric energy has a photovoltaic generator (1) such as a solar cell connected to an electrochemical energy converter (2) such as an electrolysis cell for producing hydrogen. Between them is a switching circuit (6) connected to an additional electrochemical storage device (7) so as to match the output of the solar cell to the electrolysis cell. The switching circuit is connected by a line (8) to the solar cell, so that it is operated according to the temperature of the cell.    The storage device can be a chargeable electrochemical battery, or a reversible fuel cell, and the switching circuit can use an inverter to match the input and output loads. The storage device can be connected to a remote power supply. The switching system can be connected in steps to more than one storage device so that at lower temperatures the generator stores energy and at higher temperatures electrical energy is passed to the converter.
Fuel cell has an anode section including an anode terminal, an anode fuel supply and an anolyte containing negative and positive charged anolyte ions, a cathode section including a cathode terminal, an electron distributing device and a catholyte containing negative and positive charged catholyte ions, an ion exchange section between the anode and cathode sections, and including an ionolyte containing negative and positive charged ionolyte ions, a first ion transfer membrane between the anolyte and ionolyte and a second ion transfer membrane between the ionolyte and the catholyte.    An electric circuit is connected between the anode and cathode terminals. The anolyte is such that when certain anolyte ions of one charge are removed from it, remaining anolyte ions of the other charge react with the anode fuel to generate free electrons, the catholyte is such that when electrons are added to it, certain ionolyte ions of one charge move to combine with it, and the ionolyte is such that the certain anolyte ions of one charge removed from the anolyte move to and combine with it, those certain ionolyte ions of one charge are released by it, the first membrane allows movement of the certain anolyte ions of one charge through it, the second membrane allows movement of the certain ionolyte ions of one charge through it.    Chemical reactions in the anode and cathode sections is sustained by upsetting the chemical equilibrium in the sections by movement of ions or electrons through the membranes to or from the ionolyte.
Fuel cell comprises (a) a number of stacked unit cells each comprising a pair of gas diffusion electrodes with a matrix contg. electrolyte soln. between electrodes; (b) an interconnector having a fuel gas passage on one surface and and oxidising gas passages on the other, between each adjacent pair of unit cells; and (c) at least one cooling pipe (23) coated with an insulating film embedded in at least one interconnector (22), which interconnector is a one mould prod.    The insulator film is pref. electrostatically coated. It is pref. fluorocarbon polymer, esp. PTFE, and is pref. heated above its softening point after electrostatic coating. The interconnector is thinner than conventional adhered mating pair interconnectors, e.g. 10 mm and the pipe makes good contact with interconnector, instead of 13 mm giving improved cooling efficiency.
Fuel cell includes a porous metal anode plate and a porous metal oxide-contg. cathode plate, the plates having 65-75% porosity, channels for supplying fuel gas to the anode and oxidant to the cathode, and a porous LiAlO2 tile between the cathode and anode plates. The improvement is that the LiAlO2 tile is a structurally stable plate having porosity of more than 50% but less than that of the electrodes, and having particles of gamma LiAlO2 bonded at points of contact by mutual sintering diffusion.    The invention may also be used in molten-salt secondary electrochemical cells. The tile has good structural, dimensional and chemical stability, and has sufficient pore size and porosity to allow wicking without flooding of electrolyte into adjacent electrodes.
Fuel cell has a housing defining a chamber with a removable cover (17) contg. at least one air cathode (7) an expandable and contractable member (1) at least one consumable reactive metal anode (4) movable within the chamber and located between the member (1) and the air-cathode (7). The consumable anode (4) has a sheet like configuration and is positioned with a peripheral edge adjacent the removable cover (17) of the housing, and a current collector (6) is positioned within the chamber intermediate the anode and air cathode with electrolyte directed through the housing intermediate the anode and the air cathode.    The expandable and contractable member is controlled by apply an even pressure to the anode to move it toward the air cathode and maintain the anode in constant contact with the current collector during consumption of the anode, and is contracted when a new consumable anode is placed in the housing via the removable cover.    Used for fuel cell having consumable reactive metal anode and air cathode. Anode is easily and quickly inserted, the old anode is completely consumed, and the anode is simple with no attached hardware or electrical connections. A compact lightweight system maintains close electrode spacing with even pressure applied to the full surface of the metal anode to maintain good contact to the metal anode.
The fuel cell stack comprises a number of fuel cell assemblies placed and held under distributed predetermined compression. Two pairs of bars are held against upper and lower compression members by threaded rods secured by adjusting nuts to the lower bars.    The upper ends of the rods extend through the upper bars and the support brackets which form the mountings for the ram assemblies and house the mechanical connections between the upward pulling rams and the bars. A hydraulic or pneumatic pressure source is connected to the manifold and from there to the four ram assemblies to ensure distributed uniform compression of the fuel cell stack (1), the force involved being related to the pressure as measured by the gauge mounted on the manifold.
Electrochemical cell comprises an outer tubular shaped electrode with a central electron conducting current collector shaft extending through it. The current collector shaft has a number of projections extending radially from it and spaced so as to permit the flow of the liquid electrolyte past it. When operated in this manner, the central collector shaft forms a counter electrode.    Pref. the outer tubular electrode is sepd. from the inner counter electrode by a concentric tubular shaped separator. This arrangement allows the separate flow of two electrolyte streams, one in the annular space between the separator and the electrode, the other between the separator and the counter electrode. Electrolyte flow is continuous and the counter electrode may be continuously rotated.    Appts. is for performing heterogeneous electrochemical reaction processes, specifically hydrogen prodn. by coal depolarised water electrolysis. Improved cell efficiency is obtd. Hydrogen may be produced from water with the consumption of less power.
TiO2-coated chrysotile asbestos fibre is coated with hydrated TiO2, the TiO2 content being 0.5-35 wt.%, part being chemically bonded to the fibre and the remainder being electrostatically bonded. The modified fibre has an Mg:Si at. ratio of 3-2:2, a Ti:Si at. ratio of 0.2-1:2 and an IR spectrum where the relative peaks at 1082, 1025 and 957 per cm. are altered in their intensity c.f. unmodified natural fibres.    Used in the mfr. of diaphragm separators for electrolytic cell compartments. Fibres have high acid and alkali resistance. Specifically they have a resistance to Mg ion leaching by strong acids 3-6X greater than natural fibres, and a resistance to SiO2 leaching by strong alkalis 1.5-3X greater than natural fibres. The fibres also have a Zeta potential about 15mV more negative than untreated fibres.
Metal halogen battery system (pref. Zn chlorine) includes (a) at least one cell (12) having positive and negative electrodes contacted by aq. electrolyte (pref. ZnCl2) contg. material of the metal and halogen; (b) a store (16) where compressible particulate halogen hydrate (pref. Cl hydrate) is formed from halogen liberated at the anode during charging and a chilled liq. (pref. battery electrolyte); and (c) a conduit (28) transmitting halogen and the liq. to a hydrate former (26,30).    The store (16) comprises (d) a container (45); (e) a multiple filter (38,46,48) sepg. halogen hydrate from the liq., comprising separate sections combining to cover the entire surface of the container; (f) an exit conduit associated with the filter, transmitting liq. passing through the filter to the hydrate former; and (g) a relief valve in the exit conduit controlling operation of the filter sections so liq. flow from each section is controlled in a predetermined sequence.    The battery system provides electrical power to an electrically powered vehicle during discharge, and comprises a number of cells. The filter system increases concn. of the Cl hydrate particles, decreasing the size and weight of the system, while maintaining acceptable pressure in the hydrate store during charging.
Membrane permeable to H2 gas but not submicron particles of hydridable material is formed by coating a wire mesh screen with an aq. binder soln. and firing to form a ceramic permeable to H2 but not submicron particles of hydridable material. The screen is pref. a no. 18 or 30 mesh of a resistive alloy and the binder soln. pref. contains Al, Al phosphate, a soluble Cr cpd. and an organic amine.    In specific embodiments the membrane is used to form H2 gas storage cells of cylindrical, planar or U-shape.    Cells based on the membrane structure are used as H2 fuel sources for machinery, i.e. engines etc. A safe, reliable system for H2 storage is provided in which the possibility of cell rupture due to high pressure build-up is avoided.
Fuel cell assembly has an electrolyte matrix (10) situated between two electrodes (11,12) with two plates (17,18) adjacent the electrodes and defining therewith two chambers for carrying respective process gases. Electrolyte is carried through the first plate into communication with the matrix and through the second plate, using an elongate groove (19) in the second plate (18), the groove being in communication with the matrix, a first passage (22) for carrying electrolyte through the first plate (17) and for communicating with the groove at a first point, and a second passage (21) communicating with the groove at a point exclusive of the first point and carrying electrolyte exclusively through the second plate.    Electrolyte fed to the first or second passage (21,22) is constrained to pass through the length of the groove between the first and second points so the electrolyte is assured of passing through the cell for entry into the matrix.
A redox cell comprises (a) two chambers sepd. by an ion permeable membrane; (b) an anode and a cathode in respective chambers, being electrically conductive but inert w.r.t anode and cathode fluids; (c) an anode fluid of water contg. dissolved Cr chloride flowed through the anode chamber producing cations in a reduced state; (d) a cathode fluid of water contg. dissolved chloride salt of Fe, Cr, V, Mn or Ce, producing cations in an oxidised state; and (e) Zr carbide present at at least one electrode to catalyse the electrochemical reaction of the cell.    The redox cells are useful for energy storage from intermittent devices, e.g. wind-driven generators, solar cells. They have high overall energy efficiency, and are less expensive and deteriorate less than secondary batteries. The use of Zr carbide reduces polarisation and H2 evolution and increases the current density by a factor of 10 or more for given polarisation, compared with conventional C/graphite electrodes, as shown by the graph, so the cells have a much higher rate of charge and discharge.
H2 is made by electrolysing water in a cell with simultaneous irradiation of the semi-conductor electrode. The process is simplified by using gamma and/or beta irradiation instead of visible light for the purpose. The twin electrode cell has a semiconductor anode made from TiO2, Sr or Ba titanate etc.    For more complete absorption of irradiation energy and in order to raise the rate of H2 evolution a multi-layer corrugated electrode is used. The cathode is made from Ni, Pt etc. Bul. 43/23.11.82. (2pp)
Method of mfg. an integral gas cooler assembly for use in cooling a fuel cell comprises (a) applying an electrically conductive material to first regions of a first plate of carbonisable material; (b) applying an adhesive to second regions of the first plate, the second regions bordering the first; (c) bringing the plate adjacent to a second plate of carbonisable material such that first and second region of the first plate are brought together with corresp. first and second regions of the second plate; and (d) heating the plates when in contact, sufficiently, to carbonise them. The first region of the plates define cooling channels.    The gas cooler assembly exhibits improved electrical conductivity and strength.
Chemical energy is converted into electrical energy by continuously reacting an anodic reactant contacting an anode with a cathodic reactant contacting a cathode, where both reactants are gaseous at room temp. and are reacted through a solid heteropoly acid electrolyte. Before contacting the reactants with anode and cathode, they are each passed through pools of satd. aq. soln. of a selected salt retained in a fixed temp. range and released int o a closed empty space bordering the pools to acquire fixed relative humidities. The gaseous reactants are maintained at a humidity ensuring stability of the electrolyte hydrate crystals, for stable operation of the fuel cell for long periods, e.g. over 1000 hr. without need for temp. adjustement.
H2 is generated from water contg. an acid by passing electric current through a cell having a cathode comprising a semiconductor exposed to light and having on its surface a transition metal metallocenophane cpd. attached to the semiconductor by a polymer. Pref. the light is sunlight; the semiconductor is p-type Si; and the metal is Fe, Co or Ru,. The cpd. is pref. chemically bonded to a polymer layer on the cathode surface or dispersed in a polymer on the cathode surface. The acid is pref. B trifluoride hydrate or perchlorinc acid.    Underpotentials of over 300V are attained compared to Pt electrodes for the light irradiated metallocenophane semiconductor cathodes. The coating also protects the cathode surface from passivation and electrolyte attack, for stable output.
Finely powdered beta-type LiAlO2 used as material of electrolyte tile which is one of important constituents of fused carbonate fuel electric cell. The LiAlO2 is prepd. by reacting LiOH with Al2O3 at 360-550 deg.C by solid reaction using LiCl-KCl as the flux. The electrolyte tile comprises LiCO3-K2CO3 and electrolyte-holding material capable of holding the alkali metal carbonate under fused state. The object of the process is to produce the electrolyte-holding material. The process uses LiCl-KCl (m.pt. 360 deg.C) as the flux to obtain much more finely powdered LiAlO2.
Matrix material, esp. for carbonate melt fuel cells, contains (40-45 vol.%) particles which are inert towards the carbonate melt and have a particle size of under 1 micron, (min. 15 vol.%) ceramic particles with a particle size of over 25 microns and an organic polymeric binder (polyvinylbutyral) in an amt. of min. 35 vol.%.    The inert material consists of Li aluminate and the ceramic particles of alumina. A thin flexible matrix can be made easily by casting, unlike the usual matrices which are costly to produce by pressing, are brittle and require accurate tolerances.
Matrix material, esp. for a carbonate melt fuel cell, consists of a finely porous, gas permeable, anode-stable metal layer (1b), which has a porosity of 25-35 vol.% and is connected with a matrix tape (1a). This contains (40-45 vol.%) particles which are inert towards a carbonate melt electrolyte and have a particle size of under 1 micron, (min. 15 vol.%) ceramic particles with a particle size of over 25 microns and min. 25 vol.% organic polymeric binder (polyvinylbutyral) and is flexible at room temp.    The inert material pref. consists of Li aluminate and the ceramic particles of alumina.    The material is not brittle and has satisfactory stability.
In a joint between a metal substrate and ceramic tubes, e.g. as used in high temp. vapour-phase electrolysis, ceramic tubes are mounted on metal connecting pieces. The dias. are dimensioned so that there is a gap between tube and connecting piece at room temp., whereas a force-locking, gas-tight connecting joint is formed at operating temp., e.g. about 950 deg. C, through the different coeffts. of expansion. Pref. ceramics are ZrO2 or Al2O3 and the metals can be 'Incoloy 800' (RTM) or 'Inconel 601' (RTM).    Joint is used in a high temp. fuel cell battery. Few, relatively cheap materials can be used. The assembly is simple.
Porous membranes are made from sheets of expanded metal or metallic mesh made corrosion resistant by nickel plating, after suitable degreasing and sand blasting, followed by annealing and application of a surface coating to act as a primer for adherance of another layer of matl. One or both faces of the porous metal sheet are then covered with a layer of sintered PTFE previously deposited on to a removable layer of aluminium foil, heat and pressure being used as necessary to bond the interface between the PTFE layer and the treated porous metal support plate.    For making double porous electrodes for fuel cells (air or hydrogen media systems) or heterogeneous catalytic process supports, the catalyst being bonded to the membrane surface. Cheaper alternative to use of supports of sintered nickel or other solid stainless alloys.
A fuel cell comprises a pair of gas diffusion electrodes with an electrolyte retaining matrix between them comprising (a) 30-90 wt.% electronically insulating material unreactive with phosphoric acid; and (b) 10-70 wt.% inorganic binder. The material (a) is pref. an inorganic material, esp. SiC, as 0.1-10 micron particles. The material (b) is pref. a metal phosphate, esp. Zr phospate. The fuel cell electrolyte is pref. phosphoric acid.    A phosphoric acid type fuel cell is prepd. using a matrix formed by (i) preparing a mixt. of substance (a) and phosphate forming inorganic material, pref. metal oxide or metal salt; (ii) adding phosphoric acid in at least the amt. required to form a phosphate by reaction with the inorganic material; and (c) heating to 100-250 deg.C to form the phosphate.    The matrix has much greater affinity and retaining capacity for phosphoric acid then conventional SiC-PTFE matrixes, giving only slight redn. of voltage with increased current density or operating time. The graph shows voltage with time for the present (C) and conventional (D) matrixes.
Catalyst (I) is obtd. by (1) supporting CuO on a porous active alumina; (2) calcining at 700-1000 (800-900)deg.C; and (3) reducing at 200-350 (250-300) deg.C.    Activated alumina is pref. soaked in an aq. soln. of cupper nitrate, and dried at 100-200 deg.C for 1-5 hrs. and then calcined at 400-600 deg.C for 1-5 hrs., the alumina, pref. having a specific surface above 50 m2/g. It is then calcined at 700-1000 deg.C in air for 1-7 (2-5)hrs. The redn. in (3) is pref. performed in a hydrogen-nitrogen mixt. at 200-350 deg.C for 5-20 (7-15) hrs.    (I) is used for the prodn. of H2-rich gas by reforming methanol. (I) is esp. used for methanol-reforming in a compact phosphate-type fuel cell. The content of CO in the reformed gas can be reduced to below 0.8 vol.% when (I) is used.
Fuel cell battery has an acidic electrolyte between and contacting an oxidant electrode and a fuel electrode, where the battery reaction produces water at the oxidant electrode and is conducted at less than 80 deg.C. or less. The battery is operated by (i) feeding O2-contg. gas to the oxidant electrode and fuel to the fuel electrode; and (ii) controlling vapour press. and flow rate of the O2 contg. gas so it is sufficient to remove water formed on the oxidant electrode.    In a first embodiment, the reaction is at 100 deg.C, or less, CO2 gas is formed at the fuel electrode and O2-contg. gas flow rate is controlled so it is greater than or = 5 x 10 power (-0.3 square root T) x I(1/min.cell); where T= temp. of gas at outlet of oxidant chamber in deg.C and I= battery current in amps.    Water does not accumulate on the surface of the oxidant electrode and/or fuel access to the fuel electrode is ensured without need for an opening limiting cell orientation or a fuel circulation system.
Continuous removal of NH3 gas from a gas stream is carried out with a bed of solid porous material wetted with an acid, so that the NH3 is converted to an NH4 salt. This salt is converted continuously into acid, N2 and H2 gas by keeping the porous material at an electro-chemical potential high enough for the oxidn. of the NH4 salt to the acid.    The gas stream consists of H2. The acid is H3PO4, the salt NH4H2PO4 and the porous material carbon, whilst the potential is ca. 0.7-1.0 V. It is also possible to use a layer of porous electrically insulating material contg. acid neat a gas-permeable anode, to which a potential is applied for the oxidn. of the NH4 salt. In this case, the anode consists of C and the electrically insulating layer of a pool of H3PO4, SiC impregnated with H3PO4 or polyarylsulphone impregnated with H3PO4.    The acid can be regenerated in the absence of O2, allowing contin-ous regeneration of the absorber in the presence of fuel gas (H2) of fuel cells.
A fuel cell generator comprising interconnected annular solid oxide fuel cells, each including a porous anode contg. a catalyst and a porous cathode, is operated by (a) flowing oxidant adjacent the cathode; and (b) flowing a reactant reformable to H2 and/or CO in the presence of the catalyst, adjacent the anode. More specifically, the generator comprises (i) a housing surrounding a generator chamber and a combustion prod. chamber sepd. by a porous barrier; and (ii) annular fuel cells in the generator chamber, each having an active length and pref. an inactive length, with a porous Co and/or Ni outer surface. A first gaseous reactant is flowed through the cells and a second is flowed about the cells, both then passing into the combustion prod. chamber through the barrier and being segregated from direct contact before entry into the prod. chamber. The second, reformable reactant pref. flows about the inactive length, then the active length of the fuel cell. Heat required for reformation is supplied by heat generated in the fuel cell, increasing efficiency by about 25% for CH4 compared with cells having prior reformation, and reducing cooling requirements, e.g. by about 40%.
Portable gas generators for supplying gas to fuel cells, are provided with gravitationally-operated valves at the inlets of the tubes feeding the cells, so that the generator can supply gas, irrespective of its orientation, through the upper valve .    The generator may be of the Kipp type and employ H2O2 and Pt or water and NaClH4 to produce O2. Prodn. of H2S, CO2 and H2 is also included. Kipp generator can be automatically self-regulating.
Oxygen generator comprises a cylindrical electrode assembly (51) supported within the generator housing (21), the assembly comprising anode and cathode elements sepd. by an asbestos membrane. Electrical connection between the anode element and the housing (21) is by means of radially-extending spaced apart finger-shaped current collectors (77). The collectors include a ring portion engaging the anode element and flange portions engaging the inner wall of the housing.    Generator operates at lower temp. so as to reduce cell structure degradation. Uniform distribution of electrical current to electrodes optimises oxygen and hydrogen gas prodn.
Electrolyte vapour is removed from a water vapour-contg. fuel cell gas stream by cooling the gas stream to a temp. below its vaporisation temp. but above the vaporisation temp. of the water and contacting the cooled gas stream with a high surface area passive condenser to condense the electrolyte vapour to enable its removal in liq. form from the gas stream.    Used for sepg. phosphoric acid and molten carbonate from gas streams.
Power plant has fuel cells (10) with a device (20,21) which supplies air to the cathodes (12) of the cells and a device (40) which produces hydrogen by reaction of a fuel with steam and supplies the hydrogen to the anodes (14) of the cells, combustion energy of an unreacted gas of the cells (10) being afforded to the hydrogen producing device (40) and the air supplying device (20, 21).    The water content of the gases emitted from the cathodes and anodes of the cells is condensed and revapourised by an first arrangement (60, 61, 103) and the resulting steam is supplied to the hydrogen producing device (40), while a second arrangement (50, 110) temporarily accumulates heat generated by the fuel cells and supplies it to a device (30) in order to vapourise the water in the first arrangement (60, 61, 103).    Used in a fuel cell power generation system. Temp. of fuel cells can be held constant irrespective of the load of the cells, therefore the required power can be immediately generated on a load demand and the cell performance can be held constant and the lifetime can be prolonged owing to reduced thermal shocks. Since the waste energy can be recovered the power generation efficiency is improved.
Device comprises (a) an electrochemical cell having an anion permeable membrane dividing it into positive and negative compartments; (b) positive and negative electrodes in the compartments; (c) a positive fluid contg. halogen gas and halogen ions in the positive chamber, pref. contg. C12 gas and Cl ions and (d) a negative fluid contg. Sn, Ti, V or pref. Cr ions in the negative chamber. Electrical energy is produced or stored in the device by flowing the fluids past the respective electrodes, pref. with fluids circulated between the compartments and separate electrolyte storage tanks.    The device has high energy density, generally operating with coulombic efficiency over 90% and voltaic efficiency over 50 or 60%, giving total energy efficiency to 60% and more. There is no plating of the metal or fouling of the membrane. It may be used to store energy from e.g. solar, wind or water, and power, e.g. automobiles, households, or emergency power systems.
(+ 7.7.77, 17.10.77, 20.6.78, 31.8.78, 16.3.79, 1.10.79-US-813483, 843155, 917406, 938395, 020967, 080185). (513NS)\A method of generating heat and electricity from the consumption of a variety of aluminium prods. is claimed which comprises (a) comprises partly filling a suitably sized reaction chamber with an aq. electrolyte which reacts with the aluminium pieces added to yield aluminium hydroxide and an intermediate reactant; (b) feeding aluminium particles and pieces up to a maximum predetermined size into the reaction chamber upon demand; (c) removing heat generated in the chamber as a result of the reaction, (d) removing the aluminium hydroxide reaction prod. and (e) oxidising the intermediate reactant in an electrochemical cell to generate electrical energy.
Appts. for decomposing water into H2 gas and O2 gas comprises a housing contg. folded and edged unipolar electrodes immersed in the water and wired in parallel. A separator is provided between each adjacent electrode. An electrolytic soln. contg. about 2.2 wt.% or less of KOH is used to help decompose the water.    Used for synthesis of H2 and O2 gases from an aq. bath. High prodn. is maintained cheaply and efficiently without using heavy and oversized housings for electrolysis appts. High voltage cables, heavy gauge wiring and precious metal electrodes are not needed.
The conductor consists of a zeolite which includes cations contg. protons. The zeolite also contains six-membered rings and/or larger rings as sec. structural elements; and in the crystal lattice channels of the zeolite is a phase (a) which promotes the transport of protons. Phase (a) is pref. a polar phase which not only fills the lattice channels but also projects outwards to form a monomolecular layer (a1) on the surfaces of the crystals. Alternatively, the quantity of phase (a) is pref. insufficient to fill the lattice channels. Phase (a) is pref. water and/or an alcohol. Phase (a) pref. has a diffusion coefft. of min. 10 power minus 15/sq.cm/second. The cations are pref. ammonium(NH4)+; (H30)+; (N2H5)+; or the cation of an organic amine.    The solid zeolite is pref. used as the separator or electrolyte for prim.- or sec.- electrochemical cells; fuel cells; electrolysis cells; electrochromic visual display indicators; and electronic memory elements.
Fuel cell (12 or 14) uses a liquid electrolyte and has anode (20) and cathode (22) electrodes and a matrix (16,18) sandwiched between plates (26), a pair of spaced electrolyte fill openings extend through the plate and the matrix the fill openings in the matrix (52,54) being offset from and partially aligned with the fill openings (56,58) in the plates.    Used as fuel cell having a non-circulating replenishable electrolyte and which is one of the components of a stack of fuel cells. Flow rate of electrolyte in the stack is restricted so the flow rate of the electrolyte is maintained substantially evenly to each fuel cell, and the flow mechanism relies upon a small pressure head in each cell to saturate the area around the matrix and then in turn to saturate all of the matrix.
New electrode comprises a solid electrically conducting material (I) at least partly coated with a monolayer of cytochrome c3 (II). (II) may be obtd. by extn. of a Desulfovibrio microorganism. The extent of monolayer coverage is pref. 20-100 (esp. 40-70)%. (I) may be a metal (e.g. Au, Pt or Ni), amorphous carbon or graphite. (II) can be immobilised on (I) by immersion in a phosphate buffered soln. of (II) at pH 7.0.    The electrode is capable of effecting direct 4-electron redn. of O2 to H2O in the presence of protons and is thus useful as an O2 electrode in fuel cells. It may also be used for electrolysis of H2O to H2 and O2. (II) is more readily available than prior art electrocatalytic materials such as heme or laccase.
Methanol fuel cell comprises (a) a positive electrode (2) the first major surface of which lies in contact with an oxygen contg. gas; (b) a hydrogen ion and/or hydronium ion conductive solid film (3) having one of its two major surfaces in close contact with the second major surface of the positive electrode (2) and which has a methanol permeability of at most 10 power -6 mol./mm.cm2; (c) a negative electrode (1) which has two major surfaces the first in close contact with the second major surface of the solid film (3); and (d) methanol fuel (4) which lies in direct contact with the second major surface of the negative electrode (1).
The support consists of a layer(a) of metal wires of threads spaced apart from each other, and bonded electrically and mechanically to a layer of sintered metal(b). Layer(a) is pref. a metal foam; and layers(a,b) are pref. made of the same metal, esp. nickel. Alternatively, layer(a) is made of a metal coated with Ni, and layer(b) is made of Ni. Layer(a) is pref. impregnated with a catalyst promoting electrochemical reactions. The support is pref. made by spraying layer(a) on one surface with a soln. of metal powder(b) and then sintering the latter. Alternatively, layer(a) may be placed on a metal powder(b) in a die, followed by sintering layer(b).    As compared with similar conventional electrodes, the invention provides improved rigidity, and better transverse conductivity.
Electrochemical cell system comprises (a) a gas diffusion electrode; (b) a first passage (11) communicating with the electrode; (c) a second passage (9), communicating with the first, and contg. a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbons and a gas porous plate; and (d) a constriction (14,15) in one or both passages, causing differential press. aiding gas flow from the second passage to the first.    The hydrocarbon content of gas introduced into the second passage is reformed by the catalyst, and reformed gas flows to the first passage and electrode for electrochemical reaction. The differential press. retards electrolyte vapour from the first passage passing through the porous plate to the second passage.    The cell, using e.g. phosphoric acid or molten carbonate electrolyte, is useful with fuels including e.g. CH4, which is relatively inactive but reforms to H2 and CO. The endothermic reaction aids in cooling the cell, prods. are immediately available for reaction, and condensation of the electrolyte on the catalyst is avoided.
2,4,6-tri-sec.-alkylphenols (I) are prepd. by treatment of PhOH with an olefin (II) (mono-substd. or alpha, beta-di-substd.) at 150-300 deg.C in the presence of a composite catalyst contg. 40-60% SiO2 and 60-40% Al2O3.    Pref. (II) are up to 10C R1CH=CHR2 (R1 is satd. alkyl; R2 is H or satd. alkyl), pref. propylene. The reaction is pref. at 200-250 deg.C with mol. ratio (II):PhOH=3.5-10:1, pref. 4-7:1, and liq. hourly space velocity 0.25-5. The composite has apparent bulk density 0.45-0.65, surface area 200-350 m2/g, and contains pref. about 50% SiO2/50% Al2O3.    The catalyst used affords higher yields of (I) in higher selectivities, and causes little oligomerisation.
Prodn. of dimethyl ether (I) comprises reacting CO and H2 at 250-350 deg.C and 30-300 atmos. over a catalyst which is a physical admixture of (1) alumina-supported, alkali metal oxide promoted Cu-Zn and (2) WO3 supported on silica and-or alumina. Component (1) is 25-75 vol.% of the total catalyst.    Pref. (1) contains 2-15 (3-7) wt.% Cu; 2-8 (3-7)% Zn and 0.1-1 (0.2-0.4) g-equiv. per kg alkali metal, pref. on gamma alumina. Component (2) pref. has 0.5-25 (1-10) wt.% W (as metal) on silica-alumina. (I) is useful as an intermediate, partic. as an alternative to methanol. This catalyst system provides over 85 (90) mole % selectivity; produces very little methane, has a long shelf life and is easily regenerated.
Appts. for dehydration of alcohol consists of two sets of alternating cylindrical spaces sepd. by impermeable walls so that can be no fluid flow between them. One set of spaces is slightly wider than the other and contains a molecular seive adsorbant. The second, narrower, set of spaces is empty and acts as gas flow channels during regeneration.    During normal operation alcohol flows through the passages contg. adsorbant and loses water producing a substantially purer product. Eventually the adsorbant becomes satd. with water and has to be regenerated. Regeneration is achieved by passing hot (500-600 deg.F) combustion products through the second set of spaces while vapours from the first are allowed to escape. First products of regeneration are rich in alcohol and these are recovered by a condenser.    Reduction in water content from 5% to zero of distilled ethanol for "Gasohol" use. Narrow spaces encourage good heat transfer. Reheating of combustion products improves fuel economy.
Methanol manufactured from syngas is dehydrated by adsorption on a solid particulate desiccant esp. zeolite, anhydrite, activated aluminium or silica gel. Two similar reactors are used, each contg. a number of tubes contg. the desiccant material surrounded by a heating jacket.    Gas from the methanol convertor enters the jacket of one reactor, heating the contents and driving off absorbed water. Cooled gases then enter the desiccant tubes of the other reactor and water is removed. Pressure swings in the reactor pair encourage adsorbtion and desorbtion. Dehydrated vapours from the plant are reduced in pressure through a turbine which provides energy required to operate the plant.    Used for dehydration of methanol contg. gases produced from syngas (750-7000 psi, 300-500 deg.C) contg. 0.5-12% esp. 0.05-2%. Methanol for motor use must be rigidly anhydrous. Considerably less energy is required than for fractional distn. Compared to other desiccant processes all energy required is produced from feed temp. and pressure.
Internal combustion engine is operated using gasoline and alcohol fuels from separate storage tanks is claimed in which the two fuels, opt. with water, are metered separately in predetermined ratio to the inlet manifold where they are vapourised, mixed and passed to a combustion chamber. A corrosion inhibitor is added to the alcohol fuel and is selected to include a component of sufficiently high vapour pressure to be effective not only in the alcohol fuel tank but also in the air spaces and in the inlet manifold.    The method avoids problems of storage of gasohol in vehicles, in particular the problem of phase separation when too much or too low a grade alcohol is used. Since the fuels are to be mixed only in the vapour phase, larger amounts of alcohol of lower grade, e.g. 185-190 pref. can be used.
A methanol single fuel is heated to at least 200 deg.C and compressed at 30 kg/cm2, and then the methanol fuel so conditioned to the high-temp. and high-pressure is jetted into the air under decompressive condition so as to form atomised fine particles of the methanol fuel of a grain size of about 10 microns (S.M.D).    Method enables an internal combustion engine using methanol fuel to be effectively worked from start-up at low temps. to steady operation by using only one single fuel supplier. The economical advantage of an internal combustion engine system utilising the atomisation method of methanol fuel is much higher than the conventional methanol fuel internal combustion engines resorting to two fuel systems.
Digester has double concrete walls with an intermediate lining of a thermal insulator. Heating pipes extend along the interior of the digester to heat organic material which flows through the appts. Fuel gas released from the material passes through vent apertures in the upper wall and is collected in a flexible bag anchored across the top of the digester.    A transverse baffle divides the digester into first and second zones through which the organic material must flow serially.    The digester produces biogas, and has improved thermal efficiency.
EtOH is produced from Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) (JA) by (i) cutting the stalks above the tubers shortly before flowering, (ii) grinding the cut stalks to release sugar juices (I), (iii) fermenting (I) and (iv) distilling the fermented liq.    A more specific process, in which all parts of the plant are utilised, comprises (a) cutting the stalks as above, (b) removing the leaves, e.g. for return to the soil, (c) grinding the stalks with a hammer-mill to release (I) from the central cylinder, pith, ligneous cells and bark, (d) compressing the stalk mass to remove (I), (e) storing the stalk mass (dry or wet) for use as animal feed, (f) adjusting (I) to pH 4-4.5 with H2SO4, heating to 80-82 deg. F., adding yeast and fermenting for ca. 24 hrs., (g) distilling the fermentation liq. to give 160 or more proof EtOH for use as fuel and (h) utilising the tubers for human food or replanting.    More high-grade EtOH, useful as an energy source, is obtd. per acre than with any other plant. The leaves can be used to return to a high N content to the soil. The ground stalk mass provides animal feed protein and the tubers provide animal or human food. The process is simple, cheap and energy-efficient. JA has very high sugar content, can thrive in arid areas and can produce as many as 3 crops per year.
Liq. methanol leaving a synthesis loop is heated and then expanded through a turbine to produce power. The heat is pref. supplied by the stream leaving the synthesis loop converter or by the process stream or effluent gas leaving the reformer.    Methanol pressure is pref. raised before expansion, and the expanded methanol is fed without condensing into a distillation column. The method uses the latent heat of the expanded methanol in the column and provides energy economy. A 1000 tons/day methanol plant using a 70% efficiency expansion turbine can produce 2000 kW of power.
Carburettor control for an IC engine operating on mixt. of alcohol and petrol is based on measuring alcohol content in mixt. Either the polar or unpolar component passes through a selective membrane, esp. selective to cpds. contg. hydroxyl gps., covering an aperture in the fuel tank or feed line and enters a chamber (3) on the other side of the membrane. The chamber has a fresh air inlet (4), a suction line extracting the resultant mixt., and a sensor (6) delivering a signal for processing to produce a carburettor control measurement.    A double membrane may be used, with an intermediate barrier fluid such as glycol which readily dissolves only one component of the fuel mixt. Automatically adjusts carburettor setting to the alcohol concn. No major engine structure modification is needed.
Prodn. of alcohol from animal manure is effected by mixing the manure with water and baker's or wine yeast in proportions of 100 lb manure, 10-80 gal water and 0.2-5.8 lb yeast, maintaining the mixt. at 60-90 deg.F and pH 3-8, and placing the resulting mash under anaerobic conditions while allowing CO2 to escape and allowing the mash to ferment until bubbling ceases.    Wine yeast is pref. used in an amt. of 0.2 lb per 100 lb manure, fermentation being effected for 20-30 days. Baker's yeast is pref. used in an amt. of 0.77 lb per 100 lb manure, fermentation being effected for 3-5 days. Glucose may be added to accelerate the process. The alcohol may be distd. off and rectified to obtain 195-200 deg. proof spirit.    The process is capable of producing up to 4 gal of alcohol from 100 lb of wet manure.
Military vehicle has fuel tanks contg. H2 for supplying to an H2 driving engine. Pref. the tanks are in double-walled compartments subdivided by bulkheads and also serve to armour the bottom and/or top of the vehicle and/or provide neutron radiation protection.    The fuel tanks may be filled with H2 storing material such as Ti ferrite or La-Ni in porous sintered form.    H2 as a fuel is not susceptible to explosion or burning if the fuel tank receives a direct missile hit.
Process for delignifying wood and other lignocellulosic material (I) with simultaneous hydrolysis of the hemicellulose content into the corresponding pentoses, comprises heating the (I) with an dil. aq. acid soln. contg. (per 1 pt.(I)) at least 0.5 pts dil. aq. acid at a pH of less than 1.5 and at least 0.4 pts. phenol or other phenolic cpds., the heating being carried out at normal press. at the reflux temp. of the aq. mixt.    Pref. acids are HCl, H2SO4, H3PO4 or strong organic acids such as oxalic acid, benzene sulphonic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and other alkyl or aryl sulphonic acids or mixts. of these. Pref. acids are 1-3 wt.% HCl or 3-6 wt.% H2SO4. The other phenolic cpds. are pref. comprised of a mixt. of phenols obtd. by pyrolytic distn. of the lignin fraction obtd. in the delignification process.    Process allows efficient sepn. and isolation of the wood pulp, the wood pentoses and the lignin phenols.
Appts. for producing a combustible gas from alcohol is described used in a reformed alcohol gas engine carried on a car. The appts. has an evaporator and reformer in an alcohol passage and is located in an exhaust gas pipe of the car. The efficiency and function of reforming catalyst are improved.    The novelty is that a porous metal impregnated with the catalyst is housed in a metal case and brazed to it, thus forming the reformer. Upon brazing, a performated plate for receiving excessive molten braze may be interposed between the porous metal and casing.
Appts. is claimed for evaporating alcohol and reforming it into a combustible gas usable as a fuel gas in an automobile alcohol gas engine. Hot gas passages and alcohol passages are alternately formed through partition walls. Each alcohol passage is provided with an evaporator and a reformer.    Improvement is that the alcohol passages are connected to each other at one end of each passage, upstream of the reformer formed in the passage. An evaporator is also formed in each alcohol passage and may be isolated from the reformer to join the evaporated alcohols in other alcohol passages.
Appts. is claimed for endothermic reforming reacting alcohol in the presence of catalyst to produce a combustible gas usable as fuel for a gas engine carried on a car or fuel battery. Alcohol passages 2 and heating gas passages 3 are formed alternately through partition walls. Heat conductive fins are charged in each alcohol passage to rectify and guide the alcohol from one end to another. Heat conductive fins are also placed in each heating gas passage in a direction transverse to the fins in the alcohol passage. The catalyst is fixed to the partition walls facing the alcohol passage and fins in it.
An alcohol reformer is claimed, in which a hot gas is passed around an alcohol passage where a catalyst is filled, so that alcohol is reformed to a gas by the heat of the hot gas being transmitted through the wall of the alcohol passage.    A surface layer consisting of Cu-Mn-Ni alloy is provided on the inner wall of the alcohol passage.    By providing a surface layer consisting of Cu-Mn-Ni alloy (which prevents carbon powders from being produced, and which has good affinity with the inner wall substance) on the inner wall of the alcohol passage, pin holes are prevented and the walls are not directly contacted with alcohol, i.e. catalyst deteriorated less.
In-situ generation of hydrogen gas for fuel e.g. of internal combustion engines, comprises the catalytic conversion of cyclohexane or methylcyclohexane to benzene or toluene respectively by heating in a hydrogen-fuelled reactor to 250-300 deg.C. The reactor exit gases are cooled and condensed benzene or toluene returned to the fuel storage tank, while H2 is either used immediately as fuel or stored in a solid hydride-filled buffer storage tank. The fuel tank is exhausted when it contains pure benzene or toluene, when it must be discharged and refilled with cyclohexane or methylcyclohexane. In the fuelling of vehicular transport; the system provides the basis for hydrogen-fuelled road transport using a liquid hydride as source of fuel.
The roller comprises a hinged linkage as part of the tractor hitch system and uses a powdered spiked roller plus cross cutter. To roll up peat turf continuously in this way, the tractor is fitted with a hoisting frame (7) with guides which is rigidly mounted ot the hitch linkage (8). A carriage (10) mounts the cross cutter knife (11) and rides in guides provided within the lifting frame as specified.    The spiked roller (3) forms the peat turf into a roll bundle with the frame (7) at top point. At the required parting point, the cylinder (9) lowers the frame so that the knife (11) cuts into the turf and shears off the turf line. The roll bundle rides against the knife and is halted, and is subsequently lifted by the advancing roller shaft (3) and over this to the far side. All components then reset for the next cycle. Bul.45/07.12.82
During thinning felled trees are transported from mobile bases to work or processing places. There the waste is sepd. from the pulpwood and sawn timber. The waste is transported to a drying plant which uses heat from heat pumps.    These use excess heat from industrial units such as a pulp factory or a nuclear power station. The dried waste is then transported to a plant where it is pelletised, made into briquettes, granulated, pulverised etc. The product is stored and/or distributed to the user. (Provisional Basic previously advised in Week K15)
A device is for extracting and burning methane gas from a landfill refuse site and has a first venturi to which is fed compressed air. The venturi is connected to a well in the site and acts to draw methane from it. The methane/air mixture is fed to a second venturi for enrichment with air. The enriched mixture is fed to a burner for combustion. Preferably the compressed air is supplied by a diesel driven compressor.    The device does not have any moving parts apart from the gas compressor and there is no need for any electrical power supply on the site. Also, the gas compressors are robust and need little attention.
Preparation of methane fermentation bacteria makes use of bacterial strains (I) belonging to the Methanobacterium genus which have high methane-producing properties at the stationary growth period and high oxygen resistance. (I) are anaerobically cultured in the middle temp. range (25-40 deg.C) on a medium using hydrogen and one or more of carbon monoxide, formic acid, and acetic acid, as substrate, and nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, and reducing agents, etc. as additives.    Conventional methane-producing bacteria are absolutely anaerobic bacteria, and they die in a short time on contamination with extremely small quantities of oxygen. However, (I) are quite resistant to oxygen, and are advantageous for storage, massive culture, and transport, etc.
Proliferation of methane-producing bacteria comprises culturing a mixt. of methane-producing bacteria and Clostridium genus bacteria.    Pref. culture of SP.YN-28 is carried out as is usual for anaerobic bacteria. In an example, the bacteria are cultured on a medium containing C-sources, N-sources, inorganic salts, reducing agents, and vitamins. The medium is pref. adjusted to pH 7 and 35-45 deg.C.    Methanobacterium SP, ST-23 shows high methane-producing ability, but has extremely poor growth (O. 660 mm=0.01, Bacteria density 10(6)/ml) by pure culture. Clostridium SP.YN-28 shows a growing acceleration properties for the methane-producing bacteria. The methane fermentation bacteria can be produced by mass cultivation.
Appts. for generating H2 comprises a 1st chamber in which oxalic acid is heated to form HCOOH gas and CO2, and a conduit for transferring the HCOOH gas to a 2nd chamber, in which the HCOOH is heated to form H2 and CO2.    The appts. may feasibly be used in a motor vehicle.    The oxalic acid is pref. dispersed in glycerol and heated to 120 deg.C in the 1st chamber which has thermostatically controlled electric heaters in its side walls and a gas-permeable membrane, e.g. of glass fibre or ceramic, in its top wall. The HCOOH passes through the membrane into the 2nd chamber, where it is heated to 160 deg.C. The resulting H2/CO2 mixt. is passed through a CO2 absorber and then transferred to a fuel cell or engine.
12|engine|is|operated|with|a|liq.|alcohol|fuel|by|continuously pumping the alcohol from a fuel tank, vaporising it, catalytically dissociating the vapour in a reactor with a capacity no more than sufficient for normal operation, mixing the resulting H2-rich gas with air to form a combustion mixt., and burning the mixt. in the engine. During periods of peak operating capacity and power demand, the fuel supply to the engine is energy-enriched by pumping alcohol directly from the fuel tank to an atomiser and injecting the atomised alcohol into the combustion mixt.    The alcohol is pref. methanol. The dissociator pref. contains a Cu/Zn catalyst maintained at 600 deg.F, e.g. by exhaust gas from the engine. The vaporiser can be heated by engine coolant.    The arrangement is capable of supplying extra power when required, e.g. during start-up or acceleration, without the need for a large dissociation reactor.
Method for supplying fuel to an engine having a carburettor and a cooling circuit comprises (a) circulating a fermentation prod. (I) through the cooling circuit, where (I) comprises a fuel (esp. ethanol) and water; (b) maintaining the cooling circuit at a temp. high enough to distil a fuel-enriched vapour from (I); and (c) burning at least part of the fuel in the vapour in the engine.    The method allows engines (esp. in vehicles) to be run on undistd. aq. alcohol (e.g. contg. 10-15% EtOH).
Reactor for the pyrolysis of refuse is a horizontal or slightly inclined stationary tube in which a screw conveyor or revolving paddle helix is arranged. The material is charged and discharged through double locks. The reactor is heated through a cover which is detachable.    The stationary reactor housing (1) is heated through the detachable cover(5) and receives the charge for pyrolysis through a double lock (2). Another double lock (3) is fitted for the discharge. The material is upturned and moved along by a screw conveyor (4) or similar device.    This replaces a rotary kiln which is difficult to produce and must be sealed relative to the inlet and outlet and to the hearing jacket. It retains the necessary upturning action on the material.
A bomb is first filled with water (contg. as little oxygen as possible) and then part of the water is removed from the bomb while a gas (which does not react with hydrogen e.g. a rare gas) is introduced, before Na is put into the water. Alternatively air in the bomb is taken out physically e.g. by a compressor to give a vacuum condition, then water and sodium are supplied to the bomb where they are reacted.    The H2 produced is used as clean energy.