Compsn. comprises (a) 20-60 wt% polypropylene having melt flow index lower than 3.0 g/10 min. and (b) 40-80 wt% polypropylene having melt flow index 20-150 g/10 min.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Superior flowability and low-temp. impact resistance. Suitable for battery cases and thin-walled articles which require a short cycle time of injection moulding.    In an example a compsn. was prepd. from (a) 30% ethylene-propylene block copolymer (ethyene content: 7.2%, MFI: 1.1 g/10 min) and (b) 70% of ethylene-propylene block copolymer (ethylene content: 7.2%, MFI: 20 g/10 min). The resulting compsn. had MFI: 6.2 g/10 min, flowability: 78 cm, flexural modulus: 13,000 kg/cm2 and low-temp. impact strength: 26 kg-cm.
(JP92065494-B)      The separator plate comprises a plate made of a mixt. composed of glass fibres of 2-9 micron 50-80 wt.%, glass fibres of less than 2 micron 10-45 wt.% and fibrile-like synthetic fibre 10 wt.%; the synthetic fibres having a freeness of 350 cubic cm or less.    USE -   Used for closed type portable batteries. (J59198656-A)
(JP93082022-B)      The cell comprises a Zn electrode having a Zn active material layer contg. polyacetylene and dendrite preventing layer formed on the surface of the active material layer.    Used for portable power sources. (J59196562-A)
Assembly is formed by two plates which are placed in abutment to form fluid passages and sealing regions preventing leakage from the passages. Before assembling, PTFE is applied in a spiral to the sealing regions of at least one and pref. both plates.    One plate may be flat and the other have channels, of both plates may have channels, and the PTFE is applied to regions bordering the outermost channels. The PTFE may be adhered to the plate, or may be applied as a flat strip which has one end secured and the other then rotated to form a spiral.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides much improved seal, the spiral shape adding resiliency to the PTFE so that it conforms better to surface irregularities.
The anionically active redn.-oxidn. system comprises (a) an electrochemical cell having anolyte and catholyte compartments (12, 11),each contg. an inert electrode (14, 13), sepd. by an ion selective membrane permeable to positive Na and K ions but impermeable to negative Br, Cl, I, S or polysulphide ions; (b) anolyte and catholyte supplies (20, 30), providing anolyte and catholyte contacting first and second electrodes respectively, each providing anionically active ions in aq. soln. and each having all redn.-oxidn. couples as anions; and (c) an electric circuit (40) electrically communicating with the electrodes, comprising a load and DC supply, and a switch selecting between load, supply or open circuit. For charging (storage) a DC voltage is provided across the electrodes, providing electrons at the first electrode. For discharge (supply) a load is connected across the electrodes and electrons are provided at the second electrode.    Cell reactions are shown in formulae (I) and (II). (I) is for the anolyte; (II) for the catholyte. Na may be substituted by K; and I may be substituted by Br or Cl, when bromine or chlorine is formed instead of polyiodide. The circuit is completed by positive Na and/or K ions passing through the membrane, from catholyte to anolyte on charging, and from anolyte to catholyte on discharge.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   System is useful for storing energy from intermittent sources, e.g. wind power, optical energy. It is capable of ambient temp. operation and repeated cycling, it has large storage capacity, increased energy density. Voltages of 1.5V for Br, 1.8V for Cl or 1.0V for I can be produced.
Electrode consists of a positive or negative plate with an envelope of a fabric which is an acid and oxygen-resistant polymer and has a porosity of at least 65%. This envelope is woven into a one-piece pouch, it rests tightly against the plate; it is made of polyester fibres and has a porosity of 70-75% with 0.1-0.15 mm pores.    ADVANTAGE -   The prod. saves lead in battery/accumulator plates and extends their service lives.
Polyanilines are prepd. by oxidn. of aniline or p-amino-diphenylamine (or derivs.) in a super acid, in liq. phase contg. fluoride ions.    R1-R9=H, an aryl or alkyl gp. NO2 NH2, CF3, SO2, CN, OCH2, Cl, F, COOH, COOR, SCN, OCN, O=C-R, SO2R, O=S-R, O=P-(OR)2, SR; or alkyl or aryl carrying at least 1 of these substits; R= alkyl or aryl. The concn. of I is 0.001-4 mols/l. The concn. is fluoride ions is 0.5-10 ions-g/1. The liq. phase may be the eutectic NH3.HF. Oxidn. may be chemical, with K bichromate or permanganate, Os tetroxide, or NH4 persulphate as pref. oxidising agents. Or it may be electrochemical, using Pt, Ni, ''Monel'', C or C-coated electrodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polymer yield is nearly theoretical, without prodn. of oligomers.
A separator has ribs on at least one surface with alternating elevated (20) and depressed (22) segments, the former being of uniform max. height and circular cross-section and the rib base width being uniform along the entire rib length. The ribs (14) pref. extend across the entire carrying surface (16).    The ribs are pref. of polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymers or mixts. of these. The max. height of the elevated segments is pref. equal to or greater than the rib base width, and the ratio of the lengthwise dimension of the elevated to that of the depressed segments is 2:1 or more. The ribs are pref. extruded onto the separator and then compressed after cooling to form the depressed segments.
The density of the paste is controlled so as to be above 0.3 g/cc higher than that of original paste and above 3.5 g/cc before drying.    USE -   Used for producing electrodes for lead cells by applying esp. a paste consisting mainly of lead power, water, sulphuric acid, and fluorocarbon resin. (J56022047-A).
(JP93026305-B)      Sec. cell comprises a positive electrode made of cyclised polynitrile acetylene which takes in and discharges anions reciprocally using a cathode and electrolytic liq. contg. said anions.    Used for portable power sources. (J59184460-A)
Porous electrodes with porous catalytic layers comprise (A) 3-30 pts. wt. mouldable polymer binder, (B) 50-94 pts. wt. carbon particles, and (c) 3-47 pts. wt. hard hydrophobic particles.    Pref. (A) is a PTFE contg. max. 5 wt. % amorphous polymer; at least part of (B), esp. 10-90 wt. %, is provided with catalytically active noble metal, esp. Pd and/or Pt; and (c) is a tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, or pref. a hard PTFE, esp. prepd. from (A), contg. 10-60 (esp. 10-40) wt. % amorphous polymer and heat pretreated at 550-700 (esp. 600-650) K for 1-18,000 (esp. 5-7,200) secs. The electrodes may have a porous metal collector pref. on the electrolyte side of the catalytic layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes have enhanced electrochemical performance, showing lower polarisations and stability of potential over long periods, and they are esp. useful in fuel cells.
(JP92014465-B)      Prodn. comprises adhering an adhesive resin to a collector, putting the collector between a catalyst layer and water repelling resin film and compression welding the catalyst layer, collector and resin film.    USE -   Used for making button type air cells. (J59180973-A)
The electrode comprises (a) an electroconductive porous substrate (1,3) having one surface contg. or contacting reaction gas feed channels (5,6) and (b) gas impermeable, electrically insulating seals (7,8) of tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA) copolymer provided on the substrate at at least both the ends parallel to the reaction gas feed channels.    The electrode is mfd. by (i) applying the PFA copolymer (11) on the substrate (10), at least at the end portions parallel to the gas feed channels; and (ii) subjecting the coated substrate to hot press. bonding using a pressure bonding tool (12,13) of metal precoated with a fluoride oil (14) to form the seals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are useful for fuel cells or metal air cells. The electrode positively shields the gas streams at the coated ends and maintains electrical insulation even when subjected to press. for lamination. Lamination of elements is simplified, mfr. time is shortened and yield is increased.
Closure (1) for the open end of a cell casing has an axial bore (7) for receiving the current collector. The bore is tapered over a major portion of its length, from the external to the internal end, with the max. dia. of the tapered portion 5-35% greater than the min. dia. The cell comprises an open tubular casing, the closure having a nail-like current collector (2) extending through the bore, and a metal (4) cap overlying the outer face of the closure bearing on the head (11) of the current collector.    ADVANTAGE -   The closure provides improved sealing galvanic cells, avoiding leakage through the axial bore.
Mfr. of an electrode for an electrochemical generator comprises (a) forming a metallised support which is at least superficially porous, and (b) depositing an active pasty material on the support, pref. by spraying at ambient temp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is esp. suitable for lead accumulators. The weight of accumulators produced is less since lead is used to make the electrodes. By using a spray-on process defects due to calendering paste application and other prior art processes of preparing a lighter weight lead electrode are avoided.
Battery comprises at least one electrode consisting of a polymeric cpd. (A) having conjugated double bonds in the main chain and an electrolyte in which the organic solvent is at least one nitrile of formulae R-CN (I) or (II). R = 2-7C alkyl, 3-7C satd. alicyclic gp., CH3-(CH2)xO-(CH2)y or -CH2)zCN; x, y and z = 0-5, R1 = -(CH2)p-CN; -O-(CH2)q-CN or -N(R3)-(CH2)r-CN; R3 = 1-5C alkyl; p, q and r = o-5; R2 = 1-5C alkyl or alkoxy, or -(CH2)l-CN; l and n = 0-3; m = 1-3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This battery has higher energy density and charge-discharge efficiency; longer cycle life; better stability at the voltage level and lower self-discharge rate compared with electrolyte contg. solvents such as propylene carbonate. They are inexpensive and easily miniaturised.
Finely divided vinyl chloride suspension polymers (I) are produced, which can be used for making porous separator plates for accumulators by sintering.    The suspension stabiliser used consists of 0.01-0.6 (wt.)% (w.r.t. the aq. phase of the polymerisation charge) of 80-99% hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate (II) with a mol. wt. of 50,000-150,000. 0.005-0.5% buffer salt, e.g. NaHCO3 and/or 0.01-0.3% p-toluenesulphonic acid (III) can be added to the charge.    The aq. polymer suspension is opt. mixed with 3-50% vinyl chloride emulsion polymer latex (IV) with a solids content of min. 30% and worked up by spray drying.
Thermoplastic resin insoluble in the polymerisation solvent and having a softening point below 200 deg.C, is used. It is e.g. PE, PP, EPT, polyamide, polycarbonate or polyester, 1-60 wt.% of the resin is contained in the compsn.. The acetylene polymer comprises repeating units -(-CH=CR-)n- (where R is H, halogen, halo hydrocarbon, alkyl of up to 5 or 6-10C aryl.    ADVANTAGE -   Compsn. has improved electrical properties and processability. It is used for electric cell materials.
Fuel cell comprises first and second electrodes a matrix for carrying electrolyte sandwiched between the electrodes, the matrix having a peripheral area, and first and second process gas plates sandwiching the matrix and the electrodes. Independent integral shim devices are provided adjacent the peripheral area of the matrix, the shim comprising silicon carbide in an amount of at least about 50% by weight.    USE -   Shim to provide gas and electrolyte leakproof seal in a fuel cell. Previous shims have been of kynol, which has large pores, or of teflon, which is dry, both being prone to electrolyte or gas leakage. New shim is tough and very resistant to leakage due to the uniform distribution of pores in the silicon carbides.
The separator is a fleece material consisting of at least 20 wt. % polypropylene hollow fibres having filament thickness no more than 5 denier, length no more than 100 mm and inner dia. no more than 15 mu.    Pref. (a) the fleece consists of 40 wt. % polypropylene hollow fibres having thickness 3 denier, length 51 mm and inner dia. 10 mu. (b) The polypropylene hollow fibres have an open-pored sheath structure.    ADVANTAGE -   The separator is resistant to alkali and has a high capacity for bonding and retaining electrolyte, also at higher temps. and under quick discharge conditions.
Solid state cell is made by assembling an Li anode, a polymer electrolyte and a composite cathode of insertion electrode material and polymer material. Only one of electrolyte and cathode is ion-conducting at ambient temp., heating to an elevated temp. inducing ionic conductivity in the other to render the cell operable. Pref. elevated temp. is 80-140 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has enhanced performance in terms of current density, etc. and is easier to handle and fabricate.
Button-type cell consists of an inner metal can with the zinc anode (zinc powder with KOH) and a gasket of plastic material sealing against the outer cathode can contg. a multilayer air cathode with an activated carbon layer, a hydrophobic PTFE layer and the separator. An annular nick in the bottom of the cathode can is used to retain the air cathode against the initially tapered bottom end of the gasket.    ADVANTAGE -   This prevents deformation of the cathode during assembly and ensures a good seal and contact of the cathode.
Process comprises mixing carbon powder, styrene series resin powder, and thermosetting resin powder, and kneading, shaping, hardening, and calcining the mixt.    USE -   As material for electrode, filter, diffuser for blowing, esp. electrode of fuel cell.
Sec. cell comprises: an electrolyte consisting of a soln. of a salt MBR(4-w-y-z)R'(w)R''(y)X(z), where M = alkali metal; R = alkyl; R' = (alkyl-) aryl; R'' = heterocyclic, X = F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OCN, SCN, perfluoroalkyl, fluoroaryl or perfluoroalkyl-substitd. aryl; w and y = 0-4; z = 0-4 provided that when Z = F, Cl, I, Br, CN, OCN, SCN or perfluoralkyl, z is not 4; and w + y + z = 4 or less; an anode contg. a conjugated backbone polymer which, in a reduced state, has a potential of 0.1-0.5V (relative to M/M+); and a cathode.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of the above salts as electrolyte provide anode stability at a high level of inserted alkali metal cations.
Raney nickel or Raney iron-contg. porous nickel layer, catalytic layer of powder and fluorine resin, and fluorine resin contg. waterproof porous layer comprise this cathode. Even when oxygen supply stops and hydrogen occurs, there is no deterioration of the cathode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cell stoppage of oxygen supply causes generation of hydrogen. In this cathode, hydrogen generation takes place at porous nickel layer contg. Raney catalyst. This layer is irrelevant to oxygen redn. so that no deterioration occurs.    In an example, powder mixt. of nickel and aluminium (50:50) is mixed with carbonyl nickel powder in the ratio of 1:9 and the mixt. is sintered to obtain a 1 mm plate. This plate is dipped in 40% potassium hydroxide for elution of aluminium. After washing with water and drying in vacuum, a porous nickel plate is obtd. On either of its surfaces, an oxygen redn. catalytic layer is formed, and consist of carbon powder with 10% platinum and PTFE. Then another PTFE porous film is formed on top.
Cathodic electrolytic redn. hydrogen-absorbing alloy is provided to prevent deterioration of the cathode in case of accidental stop of oxygen supply. When oxygen supply stops, hydrogen starts deterioration of the cathode. Once deterioration occurs cathode never comes to its normal state even with replenished oxygen.    The alloy may be lanthanum-nickel alloy, iron-titanium alloy, titanium-manganese alloy, lanthanum-nickel-zirconium alloy, and other known alloys.    Powder catalyst (e.g., carbon, platinum, silver or cobalt porphyrin mixed with fluorine resin) and alloy powder are mixed and bonded with fluorine resin. Alternatively the powder alloy can be sintered together with carbon-nickel powder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel battery, electrolytic bath and electrochemical deoxygenation device. In case of accidental stop of oxygen supply to the cathode, its deterioration of cathode can be prevented. Explosion etc. is also prevented.
Alkaline cell has a gelatinous cathode contg. an alkali salt of CMC with a deg. of etherification (DE) of 2.4-3.0, pref. at least 2.7, as gelling agent.    Pref. cell has a Hg oxide, Ag oxide, MnO2, O2 or an air anode, Zn powder dispersed in a CMC gel as cathode and KOH soln. as electrolyte. The CMC has an average deg. of polymerisation (DP) of 150-800 and is used in an amt. of 0.5-5, pref. 1-3% w.r.t. the wt. of the electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This gelling agent has superior gelling properties and alkali resistance. The cells are durable and are esp. suitable as button cells. (First major country equivalent to J59160967-A)
An assembly for distributing reactant materials in a fuel cell comprising two adjacent electrically conductive plate members forming an interface between each other where they contact each other, at least one of the plates being made of a porous material suitable for distributing reactant material from a surface of it other than the surface forming the interface with the other plate, the two plates being bonded together at their interface with a sealant material in the pores of the first plate in the region of the interface so that the two plates maintain electrical contact with each other whilst preventing the reactant material from passing from the first plate to the other plate through the interface.    ADVANTAGE -   The porous gas distribution assembly is easily made by a simple hot pressing technique; the bipolar assemblies can be combined into stacked assemblies for use in fuel cells; the resulting fuel cells have high reliability.
Stiffened microporous separator for lead accumulators for use as starter batteries, consist of at least one glass fibre felt rendered dimensionally stable with at least one acid-resistant binder. The glass fibre felt is bonded on one side over its whole surface with a microporous plastic layer comprising a polyolefin with a pore dia. of less than 3 micrometres.    Pref. the glass fibre felt is bonded to the microporous polymer layer by pressing under pressure at an elevated temp. so that 5-60% of the layer thickness is embedded in the plastic material, or the felt is bonded to the microporous plastic layer using an acid-resistant adhesive. The glass fibre felt is pref. less than 0.6 mm thick and is made from fibres with an ave dia. of more than 10 micrometres. The plastic layer is pref. less than 0.4 mm thick and is pref. of polyethylene contg. a finely divided porous inorganic filler. The microporous polyolefin layer is made by extruding a plastic web contg. highly disperse solid or liq. additive, the web is bonded to the glass fibre felt and the solid or liq. additive is extracted.    ADVANTAGE -   The separators have good electrical and mechanical properties, prevent the growth of lead dendrites, are made from cheap raw materials and using a simple prodn. process, and have good edge and corner strength to facilitate formation into an electrode/separator stack.
The article, prepd. by conversion to C or carbonising, consists of C-contg. material contg. 5-50 wt% graphite, balance glassy C. The article is formed by converting a thermosetting resin to C by heating.    Pref. the compsn. of the carbonised articles is adjusted so that they have (a) density y equal to at least (0.004.x) + 1.235, where x = wt. ratio (%) of graphite/the C-contg. material of the articles, and (b) gas-permeability below 10 power minus 4 ml/min. sq. cm. atmos. per thickness unit, in mm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are useful as sepg. foils in phosphate fuel cells. A dense C-contg. structure is obtd. without cracking. Compressive strength, flexural strength and electrical conductivity are improved as well as impermeability for gases and liqs.
A battery with a non-aq. electrolyte has a spiral-shaped electrode assembly, consisting of a strip-shaped negative electrode made of a light metal and a strip-shaped positive electrode, coiled up and with a separator between them. In addition, either the positive or the negative electrode is enclosed in a heat resistant insulating material, different from the material of the separator.    ADVANTAGE -   The heat resistant insulating strip prevents any internal short-circuit in the battery even when the separator is fused by an external short-circuit or other high current discharge.
A metallised plastic fibre electrode assembly based on a felt with a porosity of 85-96% and a fibre dia. of 10-30 micrometers in the non-metallised state, and (i) the quotient of the flexural rigidity (Cantilever test, DIN 53 362) and the square of the felt thickness (DIN 53855) is between 80 and 400 CN, (ii) the deformation of the test stack in the 5 th cycle under 200 N in the compression test according to DIN 54 305 is 6 to 18 mm and the force necessary to cause half this deflection is 30-70 N.    Pref. the felt is 0.8-6 mm thick and is esp. a needled polyolefin felt, partic. of polypropylene fibres with a fibre length of 3-10 cm. The metal layer on the metallised fibres is pref. 0.1-10, esp. 1-6 micrometers. The felts are metallised by electroless chemical plating, opt. followed by electroplating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The metallised fibre webs have high mechanical stability and give electrodes with high dimensional stability and which can be made with good reproducibility. The electrodes can be used in cells and batteries with a light weight and having improved capacity/weight ratio.
The accumulator contains negative electrode plates built up on an expanded metal copper mesh matrix. To provide both a sound electrical bond and a firm, secure mechanical connection of the expanded metal carrier forming the plate and the lead edge forming the connecting lug the expanded metal is cut and trimmed precisely at a point in the mesh to obtain the maximum anchorage when the mesh is coated. To reduce the weight of the electrode the other end of the expanded metal is also precisely cut to be inserted and contained by the rim made of acid resistant material.    ADVANTAGE -   The anchoring technique ensures a positive electrical connection between the expanded metal mesh and the lug at all possible load conditions.
In a galvanic cell comprising a positive and a negative electrode and a conducting salt-contg. organic electrolyte, the organic electrolyte contains a mixt. of triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (A) and/or tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (B) and SO2. At least one of the electrodes consists of an organic polymer, e.g. polyacetylene, made conductive by doping. Pref. the concn. of the SO2 dissolved in (A) and/or (B) is near the saturation pt.    ADVANTAGE -   (A) and/or (B) can dissolve large quantities of SO2. The SO2 increases the dissolving power of (A) and/or (B), for conducting salts. Specific conductivity can reach 10 power minus 2/ohm.cm. for certain salts.    When the organic polymer is used as positive active electrode material, the dopant contains an anion, e.g. I, Br, Cl, F, Cl04, PF6, AsF6, SO3CF3, BF4, BCl4, NO3, POF4, CN, SiF5, CH3COO, CF3COO, PhCOO, CH3C6H4SO3, SiF6 or SO4. When the organic polymer is used as negative active electrode material, the dopant is a cation, e.g. alkali metal, NH4, tetraalkyl-ammonium, NO, NO2, or H. The conducting salts and dopants are generally identical.
Air cell electrode with catalyst constituted by an Mn oxide that gives an X ray diffraction pattern including lattice constant peak positions characteristic of Mn508 and has the formula MnOx (x=1.45 - 1.60).    The catalystis prepd. by heat treating gamma MnOOH at 250-450 deg.C    ADVANTAGE -   Improved storage characteristics.    In an example Mn oxide materials are prepd. by heating gamma MnOOH up to 200-700 deg.C at 50 deg.C intervals over a period of about 3 hr. 30 pts. wt. of each oxide material is blended with 20 pts. wt. of activated C and 30 pts.wt., in terms of the solid fraction, of an aqueous dispersion of polyethylene tetrafluoride and packed into a metal screen with 0.1mm dia. wires and 40 mesh openings to give a 0.5mm thick sheet. This is heat treated at 300 deg.C for 20 mins. and then punched into 11.0mm dia. catalyst electrodes, which then have 11.0 dia., 0.2mm thick porous polyethylene tetrafluoride films stuck on one side to give air electrodes that are used as positive electrodes with negative electrodes of Zn and an alkali electrolyte.
Fuel cell electrolyte matrix is made by: providing fuel and oxidising electrodes coated with a catalyst layer on one side; forming a powder layer of electrolyte resistive material (I) on one or both catalyst layers; interposing an electrolyte paste layer of acid electrolyte mixed with (I); and pressing the assembly together.    Pref. the electrolyte is H3PO4 or a polymer of trifluormethane sulphonic acid; and (I) is one or more of SiC, WC, Si3N4, ZrO2, Ta2O5, and Zr and Si phosphate.    Fuel cell electrolyte matrix, formed as above, in which the amt. of electrolyte per unit wt. of particles is greater in the outer powder layers than in the inner paste layer, pref. 1-2X greater is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Matrix permits high impregnation of electrolyte without reducing its bubble pressure and retaining high H ion conductivity; matrix is also easy to mfr.
A polymeric electrode comprising a conjugated backbone polymer (I) as electroactive material and a surface coating which is the prod. of reaction between a reduced (I) and an organic cpd. chosen from (i) sultones of formula (II) in which R = 2-12C alkylene or alkoxy-substd. 2-12C alkylene or a fused polycyclic system of 9-20C and other ring atoms forming with S and O a heterocyclic ring of 4-7 atoms, and (ii) sulphonates of formula (III) in which R" = 1-12C alkyl or 1-12C alkyl substd. by alkoxy, aryl, alkylaryl, aromatic heterocycle, non-aromatic unsaturated heterocyclic or satd. heterocycle, or is H((CH2)p -O)q-(CH2)m where m = 1-3, p = 1-3 and q = 1-20, or is R''-SO2-((CH2)p-0)q-(CH2)m where m, p and q are as above.    Pref. (I) is esp. of polyacetylene or poly(p-phenylene). The reactant is esp. a sultone (II) with R = (CH2)n with n = 3-5, esp. 4. Pref. the electrode is an anode into which alkali metal or tetraalkylammonium cations (esp. Li or Na cations) are inserted during charging of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   The surface coating on the polymeric backbone renders the electrode stable against self discharge or electrolyte-degradation reactions, even when heavily donor-doped. /0
A polymeric battery electrode comprises a conjugated backbone polymer (I) as electroactive material and a surface coating which is a prod. of reaction between the oxidised (I) and a cyclic cpd. chosen from pyrrole, thiophene, azulene, furan, aniline, and substituted derivs. of these.    (I) is pref. polyacetylene and the cyclic reactant is e.g. pyrrole, thiophene, 3-methylthiophene, 3,4-dimethylthiophene, or 3,4-idmethylpyrrole; or the (I) is poly(p-phenylene) and the cyclic reactant is thiophene, 3-methylthiophene, 3,4-dimethylthiophene, 3-phenylthiophene or 2,3-dibromothiophene or furan. Pref. electrodes contain 0.5-25 wt% of coating polymer. The electrode is pref. a cathode into which anions are inserted during charging of the battery.    ADVANTAGES -   The electrodes give (a) lower cell resistance due to improved electrical contact; (b) higher stability against environmental exposure; (c) higher stability against decomposition of electrolyte and (d) high capacity (charge stored per unit wt.) of substrate polymer.
A battery comprising (a) an anode comprising a conjugated backbone polymer which has been coated in the reduced state by contact with a monomer with a reactive oxirane gp., (b) an electrolyte comprising an organic solvent and an alkali metal salt and (c) a cathode. Alkali metal cations from the electrolyte are inserted into the anode during charging of the battery, the coating on the anode being of sufficient coverage to substantially exclude contact of the electrolyte soln. with the active anode material.    Pref. (i) the anode is of polyacetylene (ii) the alkali metal salt of the electrolyte is a Li salt (iii) the monomer with a reactive oxirane gp. is propylene oxide or ethylene oxide (iv) the solvent is an ether such as THF or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, or an alkylene carbonate such as propylene carbonate, or a nitrile. (v) the alkali metal salt is an alkali metal hexafluorophosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   The coated anode has improved stability w.r.t. solvents which would otherwise react with the polyacetylene anode.
A suspension for coating a separator of a battery is prepd. from zirconium dioxide and polyvinylalcohol in a solvent of distilled water, with addn. of monohydric satd. alcohol such as ethanol, in the ratio oxide:polymer:alcohol 20-40:1-5:0.5-5, with water to 100% by wt.%    ADVANTAGE -   The suspension confers high durability and strength, resulting in a 30-40 times increase in service life, compared to the previous compsn. prepd. without the additive, which tended to be degraded in use.    In an example the suspension with the constituents oxide: PVA:water:ethanol 30:2:67.5:0.5 was applied electrophoretically to the positive electrode of a cell of type STS S-3 at 60V, to gave a layer thickness of 30-40 microns.    The cells had a divider of cellulose hydrate film in 3 layers, which was not silvered after 10 operating cycles and discharge.    Bul.6/15.2.84.
Diaphragm comprising membranes of thickness up to 700 microns, made of a porous polymer contg. oxides, hydroxides or inorganic salts having high pore volumes and low solubility in KOH. The diaphragm has an ohmic resistance, measured in 10 N KOH at 110 deg.C., of at most 0.3 ohm/sq.cm., a porosity content greater than 50% with pore size of at most 1 micron, a tensile strength of at least 25 kg/sq.cm., a modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) of at least 200 kg/sq.cm. and a burst strength of at least 3 kg/sq.cm.    Specifically the (hydr)oxides or inorganic salts are those of alkali(ne earth) metals (e.g. Na, K, Ca and Mg), and metals of the Zr, Th and Ce gps. Preferred polymers for the diaphragm include PTFE, polysulphone, polyoxyphenylene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In alkaline electrolysis cells and alkaline batteries. The diaphragm has a homogeneous and regular texture, good wettability, low ohmic resistance and good mechanical properties.
Alakline cell comprising a nickel positive electrode; an aq. alkaline electrolyte soln.; and a cadmium negative electrode, the cell also comprising at least one additive chosen from polybenzimidazole (I), polybenzothiazole (II), and polybenzoxazole (III) and derivs. of these with aliphatic substits. with up to 5C.    Pref. the additive is (I) added to the electrolyte in a concn. of between 1 ppm and saturation. A pref. electrolyte is KOH with a concn. of between 20 wt.% and saturation.    ADVANTAGE -   Incorporation of the polybenzimidazole etc. increases the percent utilisation of the Cd electrode and increases the capacity and cycle life of the electrode.
An ionically conductive macromolecular material comprising a solid soln. of an ionic cpd(s). dissolved in a macromolecular material comprising a copolymer with ethylene oxide (EO) units and cyclic ether oxide (CEO) units. The copolymer has a polyether structure and the amt. of CEO not have crystallinity at temps. of use while showing good conductivity. (2) A solid soln. as above. (3) An electrode material for electrochemical accumulators comprising a mixt. of an electrochemically active material, C black and the above conductive macromolecular material.    ADVANTAGE -   The material allows prodn. of generators operating at temp.s lower than the m.pt. of polyoxyethylene crystallites and of complexes formed by the latter with the salt(s) in soln. and also having good performance at temps. higher than that m. pt..
The battery has a reactive metal anode, an aq. electrolyte and an air cathode comprising (a) a matrix active layer; (b) a current collector grip permanently bonded to one face of the active layer; and (c) a porous, electrically nonconductive separator layer, e.g. of polypropylene, permanently bonded to the opposite face of the active layer, having a selected porosity providing low IR losses and a high resistance to air flow through the active layer to maintain its high bubble pressure characteristics.    The air cathode is mfd. by bonding the separator to the face of the active layer of a conventional air cathode opposite the collector grid, pref. by thermal bonding.    ADVANTAGES -   The porous layer prevents shorting between anode and cathode at the narrow spacings used in metal-H2O-air batteries, and permits pressurised air to be at a positive press, e.g. 2-15psig w.r.t. electrolyte, without allowing air permeation to the electrolyte. It prevents electrode degradation by flowing electrolyte.
The assembly is for powering electrical appts. such as a portable radio, and comprises a resilient shock-absorbing housing enclosing at least one energy cell, and carrying externally-accessible contacts connected to the cell by rigid couplings.    The housing carries connectors for securing to a portable radio or other item. Pref. the housing is of elastomeric polyurethane material, and the connectors are of rigid polyester material.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery housing protects a portable radio against dropping damage.
The battery has the top rim of its outer container embedded in sealant material carried on the underside of a cover, and adjacent a depending rim flange of the cover. Specifically, the sealant material is asphalt, modified asphalt, wax or grease, and the cover is polyethylene, polypropylene, rigid vinyl, polycarbonate, high impact polystyrene, copolymers of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene or nylon.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient and economic sealed cover for galvanic batteries is easy to apply.
The cell comprises (a) a housing including an internal chamber; (b) a selectively permeable partition sepg. the chamber into two compartments and establishing a liq. seal between them, while permitting passage of a desired charged cell chemical species; (c) a liq. anode of alkali or alkaline earth metal dissolved in anhydrous NH3 in one compartment continuously contacting the partition; (d) a cathode in the other compartment and (e) an anhydrous fluid (partly) filling the cathode compartment, conducting the charged species between the partition and the cathode, and contg. in soln. polysulphides of the anode metal; and (e) a pressurisation equaliser communicating between the compartments.    The partition comprises (i) a partition portion selectively enhancing transfer of a desired charged chemical species while resisting transfer of other chemical species in the cell; (ii) a support retaining the partition in a position sepg. the compartments; and (iii) a seal co-operating with the partition and support to restrict intermixing of liq. between compartments.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is useful for high energy density / lightweight applications, e.g. electric vehicles. The catholyte supports adequate current flow. Cells have been cycled at 100mA rates and cycling at 4mA for 100 cycles in one test cell provided current efficiency 95%.
Solid polymer electrolyte electrode assemblies comprising (A) a perfluorocarbon copolymer membrane consisting of two zones each having functional gps. (I), the gps. differing from zone to zone; (B) a composite anode, consisting of a conductive particulate substance (II) partially coated with a hydrophilic perfluorocarbon copolymer (III) of equiv. wt. 900-1,500, coadhered to one membrane surface and prepd. from a dispersion of (II) and (III) in solvating dispersion medium; and (C) a composite cathode, consisting of a particulate electrocatalytic cpd. (IV) partially coated with a hydrophilic perfluorocarbon copolymer (V) of equiv. wt. 900-1,500, coadhered to the membrane surface obverse from the anode and prepd. from a dispersion of (IV) and (V) in solvating dispersion medium. Esp. (I) are pendant sulphonyl-based gps. in one zone; pendant carboxy-based gps. in the other.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are used in batteries, fuel cells and electrolytic cells, esp. chlorine-generating cells. They provide enhanced gas release properties to membrane chloralkali cells.
The electrode base is composed of carbon fibre having continuous pores, 40-85% porosity, at least 80 kg/sq.cm bending strength, 100-1000 ml/sq.cm.hr.mm.Aq gas permeability, below 5 x 10 power minus 2 ohm.cm.vol. specific resistance and 5-30 micron fine pores (at least 70%).    ADVANTAGE -   Mechanical strength and electroconductivity are improved.    In an example, 30-40wt.% pitch type carbon fibre (12-16 microns dia., 0.1-0.6 mm long), 30-35wt.% binder (phenol resin particles not more than 100 microns dia.), 25-40wt.% organic particles (PVA, at least 70wt.% particles 30-300 microns) were uniformly mixed in a blade blender. The mixt. was press-moulded at 75 kg/sq.cm, and 130 deg.C for 5 mins. into 3 mm thick sheet. The sheet was heated at 150 deg.C under 0.5 kg/sq.cm for 6 hrs. and the binder resin was hardened. The sheet was put between a graphite plate, which was baked at 2000 deg.C in inert gas for 1 hr.    Obtd. electrode base had porosity 60-70 vol.%,bending strength 130-195 kg/sq.cm, gas permeability 130-980 ml/sq.cm.hr.mm.Aq and specific resistance 2.1 - 3.5 x 10 power minus 2 ohm.cm.
(JP93060224-B)      The electrode comprises a main body made of a cpd. contg. a plastic material, C black and graphite. At least the C black or graphite is surface-treated with an organo-silane cpd. or organo-titanate.    USE -   For portable power sources. (J59139576-A)
(JP93059552-B)      The electrode comprises a main body made by kneading a fluororesin with C black and graphite. The fluororesin may be polyvinylidene fluoride or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene.    USE -   For portable power sources. (J59139573-A)
(JP93057711-B)      Plastic electrode comprises an electrode made by kneading a plastic material, e.g. polyolefin resin, with a conductive material composed of a denatured graphite obtd. by graft-polymerising vinyl monomers or a mixt. of a denatured C black with the denatured gaphite.    USE -   For metal-halogen cells. (J59139571-A)
Equipment for punching holes in plates, and particularly in the walls of accumulator cases, has several sets of tools of which at least two work at right angles to each other.    The figure shows equipment which will punch 3 holes in the dividing walls (12a) and one hole in each of the transverse walls (12b, 12c) of an accumulator. It has three sets of punching tools (14, 16, 18), of which two (14, 18) produce the single holes and one multiple tool (16) produces the hole in each dividing wall (12a). The first two tool systems are identical.    ADVANTAGE -   The equipment enables walls at right angles to each other to be perforated in the one set-up.
A redox electrochemical cell using an aqs. acidic electrolyte has chemically inert electrodes with an anion exchange separator membrane between them. The membrane is formed by grafting a polyolefin film with 5-200 wt.% of a vinyl substd. monomer by gamma irradiation and impregnating the grafted film with iron by exposing it to an aq. soln. of ferric ion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The separators have a higher coulombic efficiency than microporous separators and an easier control of hydraulic flow through stacked cells in battery. The membrane has high selectivity against positive ion imigration and low electrolyte resistance.
The polymers include those contg. repeat units of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) or (V) copolymers contg. at least two repeat units of formulae (I), (II), and (III), copolymers comprising at least one repeat unit of formulae (I), (II) and (III) and at least one repeat unit of formula (VI) or (VII), and compsns. comprising the (co)polymers and conductive substances e.g. C black. (R1, R2 = H, halogen, below 5C alkyl and 6-10C aryl gps.; R3 = -(CH2)3-; R4 = -NH-, -NR7-(R7 = below 5C alkyl) or sulphur; R5, R6, R8, R9, R10 = H or below 5C alkyl gps.; R11, R12, R19, R20, R21, R22 = H, methyl or halogen; X, Y = (CH2)n, (VIII) or (IX). n = 0-20; R13-R18 = H, methyl or halogen).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mouldings are porous and have good mechanical strength. They are used as battery, solar battery, etc.
(JP92014466-B)      Plastic electrode comprises a conductive layer formed on the surface of a plastic electrode base. The conductive layer comprises a conductive F resin sheet laminated on the surface of the base and C fibre sheet laminated on the F resin sheet.    Rapid lowering of the discharge potential is avoided. (J59134565-A)
The cell comprises (a) a positive electrode contg. polymeric material hving conjugated double bonds forming electrochemically reversible charge transfer complexes with negative ions in an electrolyte, pref. polyacetylene; (b) a negative electrode contg. C having a graphite ring capable of forming electrochemically reversible interlaminar cpds. with positive ions in the electrolyte; and (c) an electrolytic soln. between the electrodes, pref. held in an electrically insulating porous separator.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell retains the high energy density and power density of known cells using polymeric electrodes but has much improved lifetime, e.g. having OCV 3.2V, initial coulombic efficiency 92% and 89-90% on 150th cycle on 2mA charge for 20 min., 2mA discharge to 1V.
Self-supporting perforated supports are produced from a mat or woven fabric of heat-shrinkable synthetic fibres, esp. for lead accumulator plates, by shrinking the fabric, pref. of polyester fibres, with electromagnetic waves of 0.7-250 micron length, i.e. IR radiation, so that the macromols.shrink without detriment to the mechanical and chemical properties of the synthetic fibres.    Wavelengths of 2-10 microns are used, which are obtd. from a ceramic radiation with a surface temp. of 600-800 deg. C. After heat treat-ment, the mechanical properties are at least 95 % of those of the original fibrous material.    ADVANTAGE -   The dimensional stability and stiffness of the supports are good and maintained for long periods.
An electrically conducting polymer compsn. comprises a polymer of repeating unit =CH-CH=N-A-N= (I) where A is a divalent aromatic moiety derived from benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, azobenzene, pyridine, acridine or stilbene, and a n-type (electron donor) or p-type (electron acceptor) dopant. The dopant increases electrical conductivity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer compsn. can be used as electrodes or battery components, in solar cells or in electrophotography.
An electrically conducting polymer compsn. comprises a polymer of repeating unit =CH-C6H4-CH=N-Z-N= (I), where Z is derived from benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, diphenylmethane, azobenzene, anthraquinone, pyridine, acridine or stilbene, and a p-type (electron acceptor) or n-type (electron donor) dopant. The dopant increases the electrical conductivity of the polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer compsn. can be used as electrodes or battery components, in solar cells or in electrophotography.
Transfer mechanism for moving elastomeric ribbon between first and second mechanisms of ply fabrication appts., comprises a gripper shuttle for releasably holding a ribbon and movable in a holder shorter than itself. The holder is movable w.r.t. a fixed support by an actuating mechanism which raises and lowers the support holder. A rack-gear system moves the gripper shuttle horizontally upon the holder towards the second mechanism, i.e. the ply assembly mechanism. Specifically the gripper shuttle is transferred to a drive element of the ply assembly mechanism.    Pref. the drive element of the ply assembly mechanism is a toothed belt.    USE -   Assembling reinforcement fabric from bias-cut elastomeric strips in prodn. of tyres, belts, hose, containers, such as fuel cells.
In mfr. carbon powder is diffusively mixed in a microporous sheet. Then a mixture of catalyst-supporting carbon powder and F-contg. resin is applied onto the sheet. The microporous sheet pref. has a three-dimensional fibrous structure in which the carbon particles are held.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is useful as the fuel or oxidising pole of a fuel cell, the air or oxidising pole of an air-zinc battery, the structural pole of a galvanic gas sensor, the gas-permeable cathode of an alkali-electrolysing cell, etc. By applying the mixture onto the microporous sheet, the electrode is formed in a dual-layerd state. At the side exposed to a liquid-phase, its activity is guaranteed by the carbon powder mixed in the microporous sheet. At the side exposed to a gaseous phase, the diffusion of formed gas is promoted by the catalyst-supporting carbon powder while preventing the penetration of a liquid.
Assembling a series of like, cylindrical cells to form a battery involves placing the unclad cells in line, with the positive terminal of one touching the negative terminal of the next. A sheet of paper is then wrapped around the assembly, to provide a smooth, finished surface.    A tubular, shrinkable, plastic sleeve is then placed over the assembly such that it extends beyond each end of the assembly. The sleeve is then shrunk onto the assembled cells; in partic. at the ends.    Printing may be carried out on the paper prior to assembly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a simple method of assembling and protecting a series of cells to form a battery of given voltage rating. Printing of instructions, etc. on the paper sleeve avoids the necessity for special printing on, for example, steel or injection moulded plastics battery cases.
The cell comprises (a) an active anode; (b) a non-aq. electrolyte of solute in organic solvent; and (c) a solid cathode contg. MnO2, a binder (pref. PTFE or ethylene acrylic acid copolymer), a conductive agent and a minor amt. additive from borates, silicates, molybdates, phosphates, aluminates, niobates, tantalates, titanates, vanadates, zirconates, manganates (Mn+4), cobaltates and tungstates of alkali metals Li, K, Rb, Cs or alkaline earth metals Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, esp. Li2SiO3 or Li2WO4.    ADVANTAGES -   The additive suppresses or minimises the increase in internal impedance in the cell during storage and discharge, improving voltage maintenance and pulse discharge characteristics, e.g. internal resistance 10.3 ohms after 60 days at 20 deg.C, 4.1 ohms fresh, c.f. 32.9 ohms, 6.9 ohms respectively without additive.
The electrolyte compsn. is SiS2.xLi2S.yLiI; where x = 0.8-1.5 and y = 0-2; e.g. Li2SiS3. The compsn. has a conductivity at least 0.000,075 ohm-1 cm-1 at 25 deg.C.    A claimed solid state cell comprises (a) an anode, pref. Li, Na, K, Rb or Ag; (b) a cathode, pref. TiS2, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) + I2+TiS2, FeS2, Sb2S3, MnO2, or poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) + I2; and (c) a solid electrolyte as above.    Li2SiS3 is prepd. by mixing SiS2 and Li2S in 1:1 mole ratio in an inert gas filled dry box.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte has sufficient ionic conductivity for use in miniaturised cells for powering e.g. microelectronic devices. It can be prepd. at atmospheric pressure on a commercial basis.
The Li2S-SiS2 based crystalline electrolyte is pref. Li2SiS3.    Also claimed is solid state cell comprising (a) an anode, pref. Li, Ag, Na, K, Rb; (b) a cathode, pref. poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)+I2, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)+I2+TiS2, FeS2, Sb2S3, TiS2, organic charge transfer complexes with halogen, or MnO2, and (c) a solid electrolyte as above.    USE/ADVANTAGES -   Useful for cells powering e.g. microelectric circuits. The electrolyte is prepd. at relatively low temp. (100 deg. C) can be formed into dense pellets which can be conventionally ground and pressed, is easily moulded. Conductivity is e.g. 0.000,02 ohm-1 cm-1 at 25 deg. C.
(JP92072354-B)      Cell comprises negative electrode plates composed of Pb alloy sheets coated with an active material and synthetic resin films formed on the back sides of the Pb alloy sheets. The marginal areas of the resin films on the outermost electrode plates are welded to hold other electrode plates.    USE -   For portable power sources. (J59128769-A)
Separator comprises glassy carbon of thickness 0.1-1.0 mm, specific resistance of less than 0.01 cm., and the gas transmissivity of less than 1.0 x 10 power minus 5 cu.cm./sec. (H2 gas).    ADVANTAGE -   This glassy carbon separator has less thickness, low electric resistance and sufficient strength capable of handling. Since the separator is carbon product, it can resist corrosion.    Prepn. consists of adding hardener to furan resin, if necessary, ultrafine carbon black and the mixt. is evacuated under vacuum to remove reaction water and low molecular components. The reaction product so obtd. is applied in a given thickness on the surface of a substrate prepd. by applying release agent on a gypsum or PVC plate by spraying a high viscosity soln. or brushing and hardened at room temp. The hardened material, after removing the substrate is inserted between graphite plates, and calcined.
The electrolytes are produced by ring opening-polymerising (1) cyclic monomers of formula (I) in the presence of (2) electrolytes comprising salts of (a) alkali metals and (b) Cl, B, I, BF4, BPh4, CF3SO3, ClO4, PF6, MgI3, AsF6, CN or CF3CO2 thereby supporting (2) on (3) polymer matrix or chemical-bonding (2) to (3). (n (I) X is -O-, -S-, -NH-, -SS-, -CH=CH-, -CO-, -CONH-, -OCH2O-, -OCOO-, -NHCONH-, -NHCOO-, -CO-O-CO- or -CO-NH-CO and n is 2-14.    Pref. 0.3-2.0 mole/litre of (2) is dissolved in (I). Pref. the polymer electrolytes formed haveion-conductivities of above 10 power -10 ohm -1 cm -1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Flexible thin sheets are moulded from the electrolytes. They are used as solid electrolytes for batteries.
The separator comprises a porous polymer sheet containing a filler. The pores in a peripheral area of the sheet are filled with a dielectric elastomer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The separator is disposed between the positive and negative electrode assemblies, e.g. in a zinc battery. The central area retards imigration of halogen to maintain efficiency. The peripheral area is sandwiched between similar areas of the electrodes to provide a seal. The elastomer improves the seal.
The cell comprises an Li anode spaced from a cathode by an electrically insulating film formed on the anode, composed of moisture free Li oxides or Li2CO3. The cell is activated by contact with aq. electrolyte in which the film is soluble.    The cell is formed including forming the insulating film on the anode by exposing the anode to O2 or gaseous CO2 under moisture-free conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   The oxide or carbonate film prevents formation of Li3N on the anode by contact with atmospheric N2 at room temp., providing a cell having long shelf life, rapid activation and producing a high power output.
The appts. contg. a base-mounted (1) stepping chain conveyor (2) for receiving cassettes (3), drive (4), belt conveyor (8), delivery (9) and pushing (10) units and welding mechanism (15) has greater reliability and productivity for electrotechnical use in welding sections of water-activated standby primary batteries of cup-unit design.    To prevent fracture of components, the metal plates (19-23) are introduced as part of an interlock circuit with NOR-gates (29,32) and sensors (24-28).    Logical control of the electromagnetic coupling (7) stops the chain conveyor if any interlock plate fails to reset owing to a hydraulic station fault, lack of pressure, active cylinder seal wear etc.    The interlock plates enter into sensor slits each time before movement of the chain conveyor.    If a plate fails to reset, the NOR-gate (29) receives a logical 1-level and so forms an O-level for the other NOR-gate.    The resulting O-level signal disengages the electromagnetic coupling of the chain conveyor drive.    Bul.1/7.1.84
An electric accumulator comprises a casting with an electrolyte chamber contg. an electrolyte; at least two metal electrode connections in contact with the electrolyte and two active metal-contg. masses each of which is connected to only one electrode, together with a porous separator for separating the two active metal contg. masses. The accumulator is characterised in that one active metal contg. mass is taken up in the electrolyte, and that means are provided to circulate the electrolyte in the electrolyte chamber.    Pref. the electrolyte chamber contains a suspension of zinc in an alkaline electrolyte. The active mass in the electrolyte may be mounted on inert carrier particles, and the suspended active particles may be coated with a thin porous abrasion resistant layer, esp. a hydrophilic layer such as of tanned polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate. Electrolyte circulation is pref. by way of a pump which is connected to an electrolyte outlet and an electrolyte inlet in the electrolyte chamber. Pref. means are provided to cause turbulence in the electrolyte chamber, such as spiral tapes attached to the wall of the chamber.    ADVANTAGES -   The casing can serve both as pole material and as protection, thus allowing a considerable saving in wt.of the accumulator.
An electric accumulator comprises a casing with an electrolyte chamber contg. an electrolyte; at least two metal electrode connections in contact with the electrolyte and two active metal-containing masses each of which is electrically connected to only one electrode, together with a porous separator for separating the two active metal contg. masses. The accumulator is characterised in that particles of an active material are bonded to a virtually immobile porous structure situated in the electrolyte chamber and made of an inert electrically conductive material which is electrically connected to one electrode; and that electrolyte circulating means are provided for circulating the electrolyte through the porous structure.    ADVANTAGES -   The coating serves both as pole material and protection and thus allows a considerable saving in wt. of the accumulator.
Galvanic cell comprising a cupped container contg. anode cathode and separator and a cover has at least one rupture diaphragm assembly formed by a thin film membrane which is secured over the pressure side of a venting aperture defined in the cell cover or container such that when the internal pressure of the cell exceeds a predetermined limit the thin film membrane will rupture allowing the pressure to be relieved from the interior of the cell.    Film membrane is pref. nylon, polyethylene, vinyl, metallised plastics or metal and is secured over the aperture by a hot melt adhesive.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Venting excess pressure of gas generated in a sealed galvanic cell during storage or use, particularly in alkaline cells. Provides a vent which ruptures at predetermined pressure while preventing electrolyte leakage. (First major country equivalent to J59121774-A)
Cells have a non-aq. molten electrolyte comprising a mixt. of A1X3 and a 1,23-trialkylimidazolium halide (I) in which the A1:(I) ratio is greater than 1:1 and pref. an electrochem.-inert organic liq. and opt. an alkali metal salt and/or a tetraalkylammonium salt. R1-3=1-12C alkyl; X=halide. Pref. R1-3=1-5C alkyl:more pref. R1=R2=Me, R3=Et, n-Pr, or n-Bu. The cathode may comprise graphite, Fe sulphides or graphite, transition metal chalcogenides (II), or conjugated backbone polymers e.g. polyacetylene or poly(p-phenylene).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The new electrolyte has superior phys. and chem. properties esp. stability to electrochem. oxidn. and redn. over a wider range of liq. compsns.
The cells contg. an anode, cathode, and non-aq. molten electrolyte have an anode comprising conjugated backbone polymers (I) or transition-metal chalcogenides (II) into either of which alkali metal cations are inserted during charging and a cathode comprising graphite, its intercalation cpds., (I) or (II). Pref. anode and cathode are (I) which may be independently poly-acetylene, -(p-phenylene), -(phenylene vinylene), -naphthalenediyl, -azulene, -thiophene or their substd. versions.    The electrolyte is a mixt. of A1X3 and a 1,2,3 trialkylimidazolium halide (III) and/or a 1,3-dialkyl-imidazoline halide (IV) R1-R5=1-12C alkyl, X=halide or a halide mixt. Pref. R3=Et, n-Pr, or n-Bu, R1=R2 Me, and R4=R5= 1-5C alkyl; X=Cl or Br.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The new electrolytes have superior phys. and chem. properties esp. in stability to electro-chem. oxidn. and redn. over a wider liq. compsn. range.
In the prodn. of catalytic electrode material for electrodes consuming oxygen by deposition of Ag from an Ag salt soln. by redn., (a) an aq. dispersion of a hydrophobic organic polymer, (b) an Aq. salt soln. and (c) a reducing agent for Ag-I ions are combined and a pH is maintained at which the dispersion is stable and the Ag salt is reduced.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are esp. useful in electrochemical cells, e.g. alkali chloride electrolysis cells and fuel cells. The catalytic material is obtd. by a simple process in very active form, using a low deposition temp. Pulverisation is unnecessary and the process also saves chemicals.
Cell comprises (a) an oxidisable active anode material (b) a cathode current collector including a catalyst for reducing the liq. cathode material comprising carbon black having a surface area of 250 m2    g or more and a dibutyl phthalate absorption number of 125 cm3 per 100 g or more, bonded to an inert electrically conductive substrate and (c) an electrolyte soln. in contact with the anode material and cathode current collector, comprising a reducible liq. cathode material and an electrolyte solute dissolved in it.    Pref. (i) the catalyst comprises a mixt. of carbon black and a thermoplastic polymer, esp. a 90/10 wt. % mixt. of carbon black and PTFE; (ii) the oxidisable anode material is of lithium metal (iii) the reducible liq. cathode material is a fluid oxyhalide esp. thionyl chloride (iv) the carbon black has a surface area of 1000 m2/g or more and a dibutyl phthalate absorption number of 230 cm3/100 g or more.    ADVANTAGE -   The cells have an improved current collector which enables high discharge rates and high current densities at low cost.
Tubular fabric covers for enclosing accumulator electrodes, made from two layers of fabric joined to form a series of enclosures linked by radial bridges, are provided with lateral spacers in the form of a relatively coarse filament or group of filaments down the outside of each wall of each enclosure.    For covers with a wall thickness of about 0.3mm, the spacer filaments (3) pref. have a diam. between 0.3 and 2.1 mm, e.g. 0.8mm for a cover of 6 mm diam.. For elongated covers, e.g. 13 mm long x 5 mm across, each major face may carry two spacers (3) about 0.8 mm diam. and 6 to 7 mm apart. Pref. (3) are made from polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC or glass. For use with lead (Pb) electrodes, the spacers may be of polyester fibres. The spacer filaments may be secured at regular intervals along their length to the supporting covers by relatively thin and flexible threads (4) associated with or anchored into the base fabric. Opt. the covers may subsequently be impregnated with a thermosetting resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Applicable to electrode covers of circular or elongated section, to avoid use of cells using independent spacers of e.g. corrugated microporous film assembled loose or stuck to the electrode covers or to a complementary (negative) plate electrode.
A casing comprises upper and lower collars (19) snugly fitted on and bonded to an extruded wall (18), and respectiVe end plates (26) bonded to the wall ends. The plates have peripheral channels (48) facing the wall and receiving its ends. The plates and collars define with the wall enclosed bonding areas which encompass the outboard parts of the channels and extend up and down along the wall outer surface.    The enclosed areas are filled by bonding rings (56) of L-shaped cross-section with the shorter leg inward along the wall end and longer leg along the wall outer surface, and the bonding rings are thermally bonded to all other parts. The wall, collars and plates are e.g. of polyethersulphone and the rings are of plastics with iron or stainless steel particles.    ADVANTAGE -   Can use thinner lightweight wall with end assemblies providing strength.
The alloy consists of equal quantities of Pd and Ru. The electrode pref. contains 4-20, esp. 5-10 wt.% alloy, based on wt. support structure. The support structure is pref. Ni having particles of activated C in a PTFE matrix adhered to it.    ADVANTAGES -   The electrode is more resistant to poisoning than those having pure Pt catalyst, or to loss of efficiency by electrolyte crystallisation at high polarisation. The electrode has a cost less than half that of conventional Pt electrode, and it operates at a much higher potential and at lower press. than conventional electrodes, which is advantageous in a satellite or similar vehicle.
Mixture is ground to obtain acetylene high polymer of over 100 sq. m/g specific surface area.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for moulded battery electrode, and other electric devices. When used for prim. battery such as a moulded electrode, shows high electric discharge capacity, and constant electric discharge voltage, and when used for sec. battery shows large energy density (e.g 487 W.hr/kg, 398 W.hr/kg for ground, and untreated), long life (e.g charge-discharge repeatability for ground (147 sq.m/g), and untreated (53 sq.m/g) are 552, and 233 times), and constant voltage at electric discharge.
Battery has stacked dry cell or ZnCl2 cell units with series connection and sealed with a layer of wax and packed with a two-terminal top plate and metal casing. The bottom part of at least some cells is located within the upper part of a plastics casing (26) of the cell below, the casing being formed by a heat-shrunk PVC sleeve.    Each cell (20) is pref. has a paper casing (24) enclosing the bottom and sides of a positive electrode tablet (25) formed by compressing a mixture of MnO2, NH4Cl, acetylene black, graphite and aq. acid, a zinc sheet negative electrode (22) abutting the lower surface of the paper, and a conductive carbon film under the sheet. The stack is pref. sealed by immersing in molten wax.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids trapping of gas between cells during waxing.
The battery comprises (a) dry cell units (20) or ZnCl2 cell units stacked horizontally in series connection; (b) a two-terminal top plate (28) on one side edge of the stack; (c) a plastic end plate under the opposite side edge of the stack; and (d) a metal casing enclosing the assembly. The individual unit cells are pref. enclosed with a heat shrinkable plastics sleeve (26), esp. PVC, leaving portions of electrodes exposed.    Each unit cell comprises (i) a positive electrode, comprising two cubic shaped tablets (25) of a mixt. of MnO2, acetylene black, graphite powder and aq. acid soln. electrolyte; (ii) a paper casing (24) enclosing bottom surfaces and side edges of the positive electrode; (iii) a paper sheet (23) abutting the bottom surface of the paper casing; (iv) a Zn sheet negative electrode (22) abutting the paper sheet; (e) a C conductive film (21) abutting the Zn electrode; and (f) a heat shrunk plastic sleeve enclosing the cell except central areas of C film and positive electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   The internal arrangement allows redn. in overall thickness of individual unit cells, lowering internal impedance by about 50% and increasing A-hr. capacity by about 15-25%.
An improved rechargeable lead-hydrogen electrochemical cell comprises a combination of (a) a cell stack including (i) a positive electrode comprising lead oxide, (ii) a pair of gas-porous negative electrodes contg. catalyst for the cell, (iii) an electrolyte comprising aq. H2SO4, (iv) a pair of separators and (v) a pair of gas screens, each of the negative electrodes having one of the separators disposed on one side of it and one of the gas screens on the opposite side of it, the electrodes and separators contg. the H2SO4; (b) retaining means secured to and supporting the cell stack; (c) a press. vessel disposed around and spaced from the cell stack and retaining means, the press. vessel contg. inlet means and electrical leads connected to, respectively, the positive and negative electrodes; and (d) hydrogen gas disposed within the pressure vessel.    ADVANTAGES -   The cell has lower cost with fewer technical problems, has a higher specific energy density and superior performance w.r.t. conventional metal hydrogen cells.
The electrochemical cells contain an anode, an electrolyte and a solid active cathode formed of one or several polysulphides of heavy metals each having the formula Mm.x.Sy.-2.z in which M is a heavy meatl, S is sulphur mx=2z and y is greater than 2.pref. at least 3.5. The anode is of a metal dosen from the alcaline metals or alcaline eths, the electrolyte is a fluid in which the polysulphide of heavy metal is insolule, and the heavy metal is chosen from cobalt, copper, nickel and iron.    USE/ADVANTAGES -   Cathodes for electrochemical cells. The cathodes have a high energy density.
(JP92040830-B)      Accumulator comprises porous separators between negative and positive electrode plates. Each separator is made of a material of acid-resistive synthetic fibres 30-3 wt.% and acid resistive inorganic powder 70-97 wt.%.    Used for d-c power sources (J59105263-A)
A button cell comprises a conductive can and cover, an anodic material, a cathodic material and a separator interposed therebetween, an electrolyte and a sealing grommet between the can and cover. The grommet is coated with atactic polypropylene.    Pref. the anodic material comprises lithium. Pref. the polypropylene coating includes bitumen. Pref. the can and cover are wetted with atactic polypropylene.    ADVANTAGES -   The coated grommet gives a leak resistant seal between the can and cover.
The porous membrane pref. e.g. porous fluorine contg. resin, polycarbonate, cellulose ester, polypropylene etc. has one side coated with a thin membrane of an organic cpd. contg. metal atoms, pref. e.g. metal alkoxide of tetra etoxysilane etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Good oxygen selective permeability, esp. useful for prodn. of an air electrode as it permeates oxygen selectively and prevents water vapour or carbon dioxide gas from penetrating into the electrode itself. The electrode can carry out heavy load discharge for a long period of time.
Prodn. comprises impregnating sintered Ni substrate with Cd(OH)2, in which the substrate is anode-polarised before the impregnation.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell capacity is not reduced partic. in high humidity.    In an example, carbonyl nickel powder (Inco Co. 255) and CMC binder were mixed and moulded. The moulding was dried and sintered at 920 deg.C in N2 stream contg. H2 10%. Obtd. sintered Ni plate was anode-polarised in 30% NaOH aq. soln. at 90 deg.C for 30 min. applying current density 5 A/dm2.. It was then washed with water and dried, while Cd(OH)2 was sustained in fine pores of the sintered Ni plate. Impregnated amt. of the activating material was 0.85 g/1l. Obtd. Cd electrode was chemically formed and Ni plate was used for the counter electrode to compose cylindrical closed Ni-Cd cell. Cell capacity did not deteriorate even in high humidity.
Electrode contains an active material with a base of powdered silver oxide and an electronic conductor. This conductor is in the form of a film in the shape of a disc with a diameter of 20-50 microns and a thickness of 0.1-0.5 micron and a surface of 0.5-1.5 m2/g in a material chosen from silver, graphite, nickel and cobalt. The film is in close contact with the powder and the whole plastified with the aid of a binder. The electrode pref. has compsn. of silver oxide powder, 80-85%, conducting film, 15-20% and binder 1-3%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrochemical generators for silver have improved mechanical behaviour.
Coating (22) comprises a polyimide having the recurring structural unit of formula (I) where R is of formula (II) the bonds being both meta- or both para-; n= 10-2000.    USE/ADVANTAGES -   The coating (22) is used as a protective coating applied over a primer (24) to a solar cell having a photoreactive layer (10 and 12). The coating (22) transmits solar radiation and is resistant to UV degradation and to low energy proton or electron bombardment.
The cathode comprises (a) the active layer or sheet, where the active C particles have a surface area at least 1000 m2/g and a particle size 1-30 microns; (b) a current distributor laminated on the working surface of the active layer; and (c) a PTFE-contg. wet-proofing layer laminated to the opposite surface of the active layer. The active C pref. contains a precious metal catalyst, esp. Pt.    USE -   The oxygen cathode is useful in chlor alkali cells, fuel cells and batteries. The electrode has good tensile strength, good permeability, e.g. air flow 4 times the required rate for O2 cathode; and resists blistering at high current density in corrosive alkaline environments.
Chemical current source current lead sealing by pressing a plastic bush (1) into the gap between the cover (3) and the current lead (2) is made more reliable and prodn. technology is simplified esp. for wet battery prodn. To avoid shrinkage during prolonged storage, the applied force is equal to 2/3 of the pseudo-yield point and the force is maintained for 10-15 min. For each material, e.g. vinyl plastic, the force is determined by a load compressive deformation curve and applied by wrench.    The specified force ensures reliable sealing over a wide range of temp. Greater force can lead to micro-cracks at higher temp. If the applied force is less than that specified, 12% compression of the bush is not ensured and the fill factor is too low for reliable sealing. Bul.40/30.10.83.
(JP92072355-B)      Grid comprises an acid-reistant resin main grid frame, Pb or Pb alloy films formed on the main frame and bars stretched crosswise across the frame.    USE -   For portable power sources. (J59096657-A)
(JP93024623-B)      Cell comprises a sealant inserted between an annular gasket and cell case and between the annular gasket and the sealing plate. The sealant contains straight asphalt and vinyl acetate polymer cells.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J59091660-A)
Rechargeable electrochemical cell has an anode and cathode of synthetic polymer (I) and a liquid electrolyte, (I) being based on triaromatic-methane units and reversibly electrochemically doped with an ionic dopant (II).    (II) is an electron donor and opt. also alkali and/or alkaline earth metal for the anode; and an electron acceptor, pref. halogen (I2 or Br2) and/or chalcogen (Se or S) or complex anion of gp. III, IV, V, VI and/or VII, for the cathode. For the anode, the OH gps. in (I) are converted to urethane gps. by reaction with monoisocyanate. The electrolyte is a satd. soln. of LiI in THF or of NaI in diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme).    The cell is suitable for batteries with high energy and power density, which are highly reliable and have a long lifetime. They operate at room temp. (20 deg.C), so that thermal insulation is only needed for batteries operating under extreme weather conditions. They contain no harmful materials, are not corrosive and do not give corrosive prods.. Sealing problems are also avoided.
An accumulator is produced according to de Grove and Professor Iusti. Lead foils, iron sheets, metal powder/plastic films are perforated at 0.5 microns intervals to produce the hollow electrodes with small welded lead tubes to prevent the interior from being wetted; alternatively with double pore layers the second foil or sheet is perforated with larger holes and, with iron or metal powder/plastic, amalgamated from outside to prevent water penetration. A laser beam can be used for perforating. The appts. used reflects the beam by two mirrors which are moved in fractions of 1 micron to provide longitudinal and lateral control and e.g. a quartz clock to control laser impulses. The perforation width is regulated by adjusting the intensity of the beam.    The accumulator is suitable for powering electric cars; it can be quickly charged chemically perhaps 5 times, so that the car can be run with a radius of 100 km. before requiring normal recharging to attach the PbO2 to the positive plates; as electric cars are normally used for town and local work only, chemically charging points could be arranged at a few garages.
The electrode comprises an electrically conductive plastics material body having a porous sheet of electrically conducting material having numerous minute pores fixed to its surface, pref. with a Br-durable adhesive layer. The porous sheet pref. has a pore size 3-700 nm and a porosity higher than 2.0%. It is esp. a fabric of C fibres.    The electrode is useful for the Br2 side of the cell, is surfable and inexpensive and provides better energy efficiency than conductive plastics alone, e.g. 72% compared with 56%.
Cell evolving H2 in service comprises (a) a sealed housing defining a cell space; (b) an electrochemical cell element in the housing having a negative electrode, a positive Ni electrode contg. O and sufficient oxidn. catalyst to oxidise all H2 evolved in service, and a separator between electrodes; (c) a predetermined amt. alkaline electrolyte in the housing; and (d) positive and negative terminals respectively connected to positive and negative electrodes.    Specifically, a sealed Ni-Zn cell comprises a sealed sub-C size housing, with a wound roll electrochemical element including a negative Zn electrode and components as above. The H2 oxidn. is sufficient to maintain an internal press. less than 250 psig under charge conditions up to 1C and discharge up to 7C for a life up to 100 cycles.    The cell press. is maintained below 250 psig under relatively high rate charge or discharge, including some overcharge, or on open circuit stand for extended periods. H2 oxidn. reduces positive electrode material, in reversible reaction.
Use of organic battery electrode covers of C material maintains output and prolongs life by converting H ions produced during charging to =CO gps. An electrode (2) made of an organic conductor, e.g., a 50 micron thick polyacetylene film, connects to a lead-out electrode (3) and is sandwiched between two 3 mm thick flat layers (2) that each define through holes (4) exposing 30-70% of the electrode surface and are formed, e.g., by compacting 0.025 mm dia. graphite particles at a pressure of around 1 ton.    Alternatively, these layers (2) are formed by twining 4 micron dia. C fibres to produce 25 micron dia. bundles and forming these bundles into a mesh with approx. 5 mm lattice spacings.
The cell comprises (1) oxidisable anode; (2) cathodic current collector and (3), as electrolyte, a reducible liq. cathode material (A) and a dissolved electrolyte solute. (2) is a catalytic material for reducing (A) and a polymer (I) formed by reacting a transition metal salt with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). The pref. salt is iron or cobalt acetylacetonate, acetate or halide.    (I) is pref. 1-10 (5) wt.% of its mixt. with C and this mixt. may be formulated as a layer with a thermoplastic polymer. (1) is esp. an alkali(ne earth) metal, best Li, and (A) is an oxyhalide or nonmetal oxide or halide, esp. thionyl chloride.    Incorporation of (I) improves both output voltage and discharge capacity of the cell.
The battery system comprises (a) insulated input conductors; (b) input switches (9) in series with the conductors; (c) a step-up voltage transformer (7) in parallel to input switches; (d) rectifiers (6) in series with the input transformer, providing DC voltage; (e) condenser plates (5) connected in parallel to the rectifiers for charging to a very high DC voltage; (f) output switches (2) connected in series to the condenser plates; (g) an output variable resistor (1) connected in parallel to the condenser plates; (h) an enclosure (12) for components (a)-(g), esp. of polyethylene, pressurised with insulating gas; and (i) external controls (17) for the switches and resistor sealed in the enclosure, pref. operated externally by compressed air or N2 gas.    The system is relatively small and lightweight and has an infinite recharging life. It provides estimated energy storage up to 38 kWh per ft. 3, mass prodn. cost about 1.50 dollars per lb. (typical unit wt. 1179 lb); and may be recharged in 5 hr. at 230V, 100A. A pref. battery uses 8 ft.3 condenser plates, with components occupying 19 ft.3. Typical operating conditions provide energy storage 112kWh for this unit, but at extreme limits 466 kWh may be achievable.
(JP93006304-B)      Cell comprises nonwoven cloth impregnated with alkaline electrolytic liq. between active materials of positive and negative elcetrodes and nonwoven cloth is mfd. from mix-spun cellulose or PVA fibres.    Used for button cells. (J59078448-A)
(JP92056422-B)      Flat type cell comprises a gasket inserted between a sealing plate and metal case contg. a generating element. The gap between gasket and sealing plate of the case is sealed with a sealant composed of a pitch contg. 1-10 wt.% silicone rubber.    Used for Li cells. (J59078443-A)
Cell a calcium or dischargeable calcium alloy (devoid of alkali metal) anode; an inorganic oxyhalide liq. cathode serving also as solvent for the electrolyte salt; an electrolyte salt consisting of Lewis acid and a calcium Lewis base. The Lewis acid being in excess of Lewis base, and inert current collector.    The electrolyte soln. is stored separately from the electrode compartment, means being provided for contacting the soln. with electrodes when the cell is to be activated.
Non-aq. cell has a cathode contg. MnO2, a binder and a conductive agent and also a minor amt. of an alkaline earth metal hydroxide and/or carbonate, pref. Ca(OH)2 or CaCO3. Prefd. amt. is 0.05-10 more pref. 0.1-3 wt.%, an cathode dry wt.    Build up of cell internal impedance during discharge or storage is minimised whilst good voltage maintenance and pulse discharge characteristics are retained.
Battery or electrochemical storage cell with a cathode, anode and medium for current transport has an anode and/or cathode contg. an electroconductive polymer (I) as active electrode material. (I) has an electroconductivity of over 10 power-2/ohm.cm and contains electrochemically oxidisable and/or reducible redox gps. with definite structure, which can form at least two stable and pref. reversibly interchangeable oxidn. states.    Pref. (I) is a p- or n-doped polyene with the redox gps. bound to the main chain as side chains and pref. having quinoid structure, esp. 1,9-disubstd. phenylene.    The batteries and cells have high energy and capacity density, are easy to mfr. and have good reproducibility, high stability and great cycle stability. There is only a very slight self-discharge tendency. They are lightweight.
Galvanic sec. cells with non-aq. electrolytes and cathodes with Cr oxide, CrOx, as reducible material have anodes of Li-doped organic polymer (I) with a system of conjugated double bonds along its main chain.    Pref. (I) is polyacetylene. The electrolyte is a soln. of a Li salt in a cyclic ether, pref. 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran and/or dioxane.    The cell is fully functional without dendrite formation.
Use of butadiene(methyl)-styrene rubber (I) as the rubber in, and addn. of nepheline flame retardant (II) to the ebonite compsn. improves its technological properties. The mixt. contains (in pts. wt.): (I) 100, (II) 5-20, S 40-45, vulcanisation accelerator (III) 2-2.5, plasticiser (IV) 15-20 and ebonite dust (V) 130-140, and the material is used in the mfr. of lead-acid batteries.    A typical mixt. contains (in pts. wt.): (I) 100, (II) 3, (III) 1.85, S 38, (IV) 14, kaolin 27.2 and (V) 52.5. Tests show that use of (I) and addn. of (II) increases static bending and compressive strength of the material from 34.5 and 35 to 46-51 and 81-99 MPa. Bul.34/15.9.83.
Compsn. consists of an electrically conductive substance and a polymer having conjugated double bond chain in the main chain. It is prepd. by synthesis of the polymer under stirring in the presence of the electrically conductive substance. The electrically conductive substance includes fine metal powder, metal fibre, metal netting, carbon black, acetylene black, carbon fibre, graphite, etc. and their mixt. with synthetic resin. It has an electric conductivity of at least 0.00001 (at least 0.1) per cm. and is contained in the compsn. in an amt. of 1-90 (3-80) wt.%.    Pref. polymers are polyacetylene, poly-phenyl (methyl) acetylene, poly(2,5-thienylene), poly(3-methyl thienylene), polyparaphenylene and poly(pyrrole). The polymerisation is performed by any known method which allows sufficient agitation.    The substance has good miscibility with the polymer and resultant compsns. has high mechanical strength and is suitable for battery electrode, etc.
Successive sections of fine and coarse melt spun continuous filament fibres make up the matting material, for separators between battery cells, in a random lay. The fine fibre content, with a dia. of 2 - 4 micrometres, form 30 - 50% of a matting section and the coarse fibre content, with a dia. of 10 - 30 micrometres, form 20 - 40% of the melt spun fibres.    The matting structure and content improves the storage of the electrolyte, and the separator is partic. suitable for Li cells.
Compsn. comprises an electropolymerised polypyrrole or pyrrole copolymer having an apparent s.g. varying from 0.01 g/cc to the s.g. of the (co)polymer and an active surface of at least twice that of a smooth film of the s.g. of the compsn.    Also claimed are a porous composite compsn. comprising at least 2 elements one of which is (1); an electrochemical cell comprising an electrode polymer which comprises the above compsn; and prim. and sec. batteries using (1).    Polymer is prepd. by:- (A) dipping an electronically conductive surface into an electrolytic bath comprising a liquid(s) and finely divided solid particles, or a gas, or a non-miscible liquid, where a pyrrole of a (co)polymerisable mixt. contg. a pyrrole comprises one of the liquids or is dissolved in at least one of the liquids, and (B) passing an electric current through the bath at a voltage sufficient to cause electropolymerisation of the pyrrole or the copolymerisable mixt. at the electronically conductive surface. Other variants are also claimed.    Pyrrole (co)polymers can be produced contg. anions of low mobility, thus allowing the polymer to be discharged and recharged during at least hundreds of cycles.
An electrode comprises (a) a hydrophilic layer, having a metal current collector contacting a composite of 1 pt. wt. C particles, at least 50 wt% of which have surface area 30-300 m2/g; 0.2-1 pt. wt. stainless steel particles, pref. particle size 25-micron; an effective amt. nonwetting bonding agent, pref. including PTFE; and an effective amt. catalyst for decomposing perhydroxides; and (b) a hydrophobic layer pressed to the hydrophilic layer. The catalyst is pref. Ag, and metal sulphide is pref. included in the composite as Ag protective additive.    A metal air cell has a metal electrode of Fe, Zn, Al or Cd spaced from at least one air electrode as above, and an alkali hydroxide electrolyte contacting the electrodes. A fuel cell comprises a fuel electrode spaced from an oxidant electrode as above, with alkali hydroxide electrolyte contacting the electrodes. A fuel cell comprises a fuel electrode spaced from an oxidant electrode as above, with alkali hydroxide electrolyte contacting the electrodes.    The electrode is lightweight, free from flooding, no more expensive than conventional electrodes; gives stable operation for over 500 cycles; and has low charge potential, e.g. 525-585 mV versus Hg/HgO on third cycle charging.
In mfg. paper, a liq. slurry (II) is applied onto a less liq. slurry (I) so that disturbance only occurs at the interface between the layers. This is achieved by controlled application of slurry (II) w.r.t. angle, distance and velocity relative to slurry (I). Pref. slurry (II) is applied from flow box nozzles at 2.5-12 deg. to slurry (I); from a ht. of 1-20 mm above slurry (I); and at 102-115% of the velocity of slurry (I).    Used esp. in paper for battery separators and in filtration. No binder is required, a strong bond being formed by intermingling of the fibres at the interface between adjacent layers.
Layer built secondary battery is laminate of sheet-shaped unit cells each comprising a positive (1) and a negative (2) electrode pair of polymer films, pref. polyacetylene, having conjugated double bonds, coated with metal (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) on one side, and capable of reversibly doping and undoping ions, between which is sandwiched an insulating porous separator (5) supporting a dopant-containing electrolyte. Pref. the separator is adsorptive, more pref. being a fibrous material supporting an inorganic or organic adsorbent powder.    Thin metal layers are pref. formed on polymer films by vapour deposition. Pref. an electrolyte-impermeable metal foil (8) is interleaved between two adjacent unit cells, i.e., opposing metal layers. Separator material can be glass, alumina, potassium titanate, natural fibre, etc. or porous film of polyethylene or polypropylene. Adsorbent powder can be porous alumina, silica, styrene-divinylbenzene cross-linked gel, activated carbon, etc. Dopant can be ions giving p-type electroconductive conjugated high mole cpd., e.g., halogen ions, ClO4(-), PF6(-), etc. or ion type electroconductive conjugated high mole cpd., e.g., monovalent alkaline metal ions, or R4N(+), where R is a hydrocarbon group with 1-20 carbon atoms. Dopant is in solvent, e.g., tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, dimethoxyethane, etc. Electrolyte can be paste or solid.    Sheet-shaped battery is produced which is flexible and usable when flexed, has excellent durability, and high energy density. In partic., battery has good charging-discharging characteristics because of incorporation of metal coating layers.
The battery comprises (a) a casing contg. negative plates, positive plates and electrolyte and defining a first chamber between the plates and the uppermost surface of the case; (b) first and second straps connected to positive and negative plates respectively; (c) first and second posts connected to the respective straps and passing through the chamber and its uppermost surface; (d) a honeycomb structure in the first chamber around the posts, defining a second chamber much smaller than the first above the top of the honeycomb structure and dividing the first chamber into separate linear gas chambers having their lower ends below the electrolyte surface and upper ends communicating with the second chamber; and (e) a vent in the uppermost surface of the case, communicating with the second chamber.    A catalytic recombination element is pref. provided in the second chamber, including a catalyst matrix of powdered material resisting flooding, esp. SiO2 treated with silicone or PTFE, and a number of catalyst pellets, eps. Pt and Pd. The structure is useful for Pb-acid batteries, e.g. for industrial use. Evolved gases are sepd. into small pockets by the honeycomb structure, the walls withstanding the small explosive forces without rupture.
The MnO2 is used as active material. Process involves forming a mixt. with a conductive material and a binder into an electrode and heating this. Novelty is that synthetic MnO2 with rhocrystal structure is used and heating is carried out between 180 deg.C and under 200 deg.C.    Process is simple and gives an electrode with high capacity down to temps. as low as -30 deg.C and also increased storage stability.    Pref. mixt. of (40-60 (wt.)%) MnO2, (3-8%) C black, (4-8%) MeOH, (2-6%) PTFE in aq. suspension and water is made into a paste by strring and/or kneading, then formed, pressed onto an expanded metal (Al) mesh and dried during the single heat treatment. It is pref. to prepare a homogeneous mixt. of 45-55 (50)% MnO2 and 4-6 (5)% C black (conductive furnace black) and make this into a paste by stirring with 6-7 (6.5)% MeOH, 4-5 (4.5)% PTFE and Ca. 34% water.
Casting is formed to extend within and through a wall (12) of a preformed structure by injecting molten metal into a port in the wall and within a die positioned about the port such that the port and die initially act as a mould, and controlling melt temp. so that it flows freely and solidifies without destroying the structure or compsn. of the port and wall and on cooling acts as a mould (19) for any molten parts of the wall material to preserve the preformed configuration.    Air is pref. removed during injection by trapping in initial parts of the melt and removing these before solidification. An internally threaded (24) metal insert (22) may be located within the port before injection such that the melt flows about it and locks it in position. The method is partic. for forming metal battery terminals in a polypropylene casing.
A mixed soln. of fuel and electrolytic soln. is circulated into a cell body to supply fuel, or electrolytic soln. or- the mixed soln. remains in the fuel chamber and only fuel is supplied into a fuel chamber. The surface of porous fuel filter is treated with PTFE and adhered to a support. Specifically nickel body of porosity 20-90% is first impregnated with water to organic solvent. Over spray the surface of the porous nickel body is sprayed a dispersion of PTFE. The body so treated, after drive is calcined at 200-320 deg.C and adhered to a support. The process prevents clogging of fuel path caused with by adhesives.
Air cell comprises (a) porous electrode having electrochemical redn. for O2 and electric collector function, (b) polymer thin layer laminated on gas side surface of the electrode produced directly or via porous layer having up to micron size fine pores and (c) metal oxide thin layer laminated on the polymer thin layer.    As pinhole-free and O2 gas-permeable composite thin layers are provided CO2 and steam do not invade the cell, thus improving storage and discharge stability.    In an example, a porous Ni plate (ave. pore dia 5 microns, porosity 80%, 200 microns thick) was immersed in a plasma reaction vessel. Penta fluorostyrene was plasma-polymerised on the Ni plate by introducing the monomer gas and Ar gas, and applying 13.56 MHz power, in which 0.2 microns thick polymer thin layer was laminated on the Ni plate. Metal oxide thin layer (0.1 micron thick) was then sputtered on the polymer thin layer by sputtering Sn, Zn, Al, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, Si, etc. in Ar and O2.
Process comprises (a) charging reinforcing material in a desired form into a container, (b) wetting the surface with binder resin by charging the binder liq. to a level above that of the reinforcing material, withdrawing and draining the binder liq. and then hardening the binder.    Process provides low-density and porous reinforcing material for fuel cell electrodes comprising firmly bonded fibre with min. resin binder consumption.
The battery or storage battery comprises an organic electrolyte, a positive electrode and a negative electrode contg. a light metal as active material, with a separator between the electrodes consisting of double layers of a non-woven fabric of polyolefin fibres and a microporous film with electrolyte-resistant properties and which allows the passage of the electrolyte but prevents or hinders the passage of particles of the active material from the positive electrode which are released, the microporous film being on the positive electrode side.    Pref. the non-woven fabric is of polypropylene fibres and/or polyethylene fibres and the microporous film is of polypropylene or polyethylene.    The separator gives excellent retention of particles of active material released from the positive electrode so that they do not reach the negative electrode.
Galvanic cell with a Li anode and cylindrical housing has a sealed cover through which the anode conductor passes. The conductor (9) is in the form of a nail with a flange (10) near the top, on which the bottom of the cover (3) and an intermediate seal (11) rest. There is a sealing disc (14) resting on the top of the cover and a seal (10), which is pressed tight against the seals by rivetting the head (12) of the conductor nail.    Cell is esp. useful in microelectronics. The seal construction is less costly than usual but completely satisfactory. The leakage rate is negligible (under 10 exp. -9 torr.l/s even after thermal shock treatment of the seal from -196 deg.C to +50 deg.C in 1 min.).
Profiled electrode has a perforated metallic conductor lattice with a superimposed, opt. lattice-like plastics structure. The metallic lattice pref. consists of bars attached to the main conductor bar and connected to each other by metallic cross pieces. The plastics structure is pref. in two halves which surround the metallic lattice, with a completely enveloping border portion and joined together through the holes in the metallic lattice by adhesive bonding, thermal bonding or ultrasonic bonding. Alternatively, the plastics structure may be formed in one piece round the metallic lattice e.g. by injection moulding. The electrode may be completed by a retainer fabric applied to the exterior of the assembly.    In a pref. embodiment, a lead storage battery electrode is provided with a low melting plastics structure, esp. of polypropylene, and a retainer web of polyester fabric, and the assembly is completed by pressing at 170-180 deg.C and 3-5 kp/cm2 for 3-5 mins.    Esp. as electrodes for heavy duty use e.g. in traction batteries. The electrodes are suitable for use as negative and positive plates and allow free circulation of acid during use. They can be operated for long periods at temps. up to 70 deg.C without loss of material from either positive or negative poles.
Cell comprises, pref. spirally wound, assembly of positive electrode, negative electrode, and porous, electrically non-conductive separator disposed between them immersed in an electrolyte and contained within a housing. The cell also includes an inert porous short-inhibitor member disposed each side of the negative electrode, the member being a fine mesh fabric, which may be woven or non-woven, formed from an acid and oxidation resistant polymer, pref. polyester or polypropylene.    Pref. the short-inhibitor member has a density of 0.64-0.78 grams per cc. and a porosity of 40-50%. Pref. it includes a sintered polymer filler and the polymer fibre has a thickness of 0.0009-0.010 inches and a basic wt. of 18-30 grams per sq.yd. Pref. the electrolyte is aq. sulphuric acid and the separator is a fibrous glass member.    The cell is designed to be a sealed lead-acid cell having improved performance and less susceptibility to shorting due to severe discharge and charge reversal. Further, the electrode assembly may be wound automatically into a cylindrical coil without damaging the separators because of the load bearing characteristics of the short-inhibiting member.
Battery has a thermoplastics case (10) with cells having offset lugs connected by straps, and a primary cover (31) with depending edges (33) and intermediate ribs to overlie the case and partition walls and sealed to them, a flat top (37) opposite intermediate terminal posts from the straps, and integral downward sleeves for filling and venting the cells.    A pair of terminal bushings is moulded into the cover for connection between an intermediate post and an exterior battery terminal. A secondary outer cover (43) overlies the primary cover, is attached to the case and has vents communicating with the sleeves and openings for the exterior terminals. The case and primary cover are pref. of polypropylene and the secondary cover is of polyethylene.
Method comprises mfr. of paper by adding an inorganic fine powder to a pulp and a synthetic fibre integral drying and impregnating the product with a resin and fixing.    The separator has uniform fine pores low resistance and enhanced mechanical strength. (J51140134-A)
The thin plate has bulk density 1.55-1.75 g/cc, specific resistance 100-400. 10 power minus 5 ohm, bending strength 300-400 kg/sq.cm, Young's modulus 1500-1900 kg/sq.mm, and air permeability 10 power minus 5 to 10 power minus 3 cc/sec.    The plate is prepd. by adding a thermoplastic (e.g. phenolic) resin in the liq. state to finely divided graphite powder having particle size 100 microns or less that has been previously heat-treated at 2,700 deg. C or above, kneading the mixt. into a paste, moulding the paste into a thin plate, setting the plate and then heating it to carbonise the resin.    The plate can be used as an electrode and a separator for fuel cells and can be industrially and economically produced.
The accumulator scrap after optional crushing is fed to a chamber where the acid flows to a sump for collection and treatment and the remaining soilds and oxide sludge are conveyed (by screw conveyor) to a treatment station which may involve crushing and separation into Pb, lead oxide rubber and plastics fractions.    Recores organic and inorganic components for reuse.
Electrochemical generator comprises a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode active material, and an electrolyte, at least 1 of the active materials comprising polypyrrole.    Improvement is that the electrolyte is solid and comprises either a mixt. of a metal salt and a cpd. from polyoxyethylene (or deriv.), polyoxypropylene (or deriv.), poly (methyl-glycidyl-ether) (or deriv.), organic polyelectrolytes or a material from amorphous glasses conducting by Li(+) and Na(+) ions and beta-alumina.    Compared to generators using doped polyacetylene as active material, the present one has the following advantages:-rechargeability, more rapid discharge, higher discharge Voltage, and higher mass capacity.
The accumulator comprises a hermetically sealed receiver with insulating walls, housing a set of flexible sheet-type metallised electrodes formed by a support surface of insulating material with amalgam-based deposition of a hydrocarbon-group polymers layer.    The assembly is finally immersed in alkali perchlorate electrolyte introduced together with organic solvent into the receiver.
The plate (18,20) of porous material esp. reticulated vitreous carbon has an impervious layer (37) e.g. carbon. Grooves (49) adjacent opposite edges (41) of the plate (18,20) extend through the plate to the layer (37). Each groove pref. contains polytetrafluoroethylene cord (50). Paste (51) surrounds the body and fills the groove to form a gas impervious seal (48) resistant to electrolyte.    The paste is pref. made by mixing small particle silicon carbide powder, polyethylene oxide and polytetrafluoroethylene, sintering the mixture, and mixing 105% phosphoric acid with it. The mixture may be formed into a thin layer before sintering. A bipolar assembly (36) has two plates arranged back-to-back separated by one impervious layer (37). Each plate has gas channels orthogonal to the channels in the other and the channels face outwardly.
NOVELTY - Solar energy trap is combined with a windmill unit beneath a common transparent enclosure and used to heat water contained within or beneath the same enclosure. A pump, or Archimedean screw, is driven electrically or mechanically to impart heat to and to circulate a heat transfer fluid between the solar energy trap and the stored water. Suitable for providing hot water for either a single dwelling or, using multiple units, for industrial purposes, to operate effectively under a variety of atmospheric conditions. The enclosure may have plane or curved surfaces, such as dome, is pref. made of glass, 'plexiglass' (RTM polyacrylic sheet) or (other) plastics material transparent to solar radiation. The solar energy trap is pref. made from thin steel panels coated with a heat absorbent paint. The windmill unit is pref. a spoked wheel mounted on a vertical axis and carrying rigid vanes of metal or plastic. The heated water is pref. stored in a hermetically sealed and insulated reservoir.    USE - Loss of heat from the base of the enclosure is pref. inhibited by a layer of thermal insulation. Opt. the enclosure includes panels orphotovolatic cells as an additional means of energy capture.
Battery comprises a series of fuel cells of the parent patent each including catholyte and anolyte feeds and lines conducting anolyte between anode compartments, the lines contg. ion filters to stop the movement of ions between the anode compartments.    The battery also pref. includes a catholyte regeneration system comprising an absorption tower in which spent catholyte is regenerated by oxidn. with air. The catholyte fuel is pref. HNO3 which is reduced by the fuel cell reaction and then re-oxidised with atmos. O2 in the regeneration system.    Parent patent 82-90316E/42 US4352864 claims the fuel cell.
Thin F-contg. polymer film is laminated with another thin film contg. fluoro resin and C as a carrier for a catalyst. The laminate is then elongated.    Pref. F-contg. polymer is PTFE whilst the F-contg. resin is pref. PTFE or hexafluoropropylene copolymer.    The electrode is useful as the fuel or oxidising electrode in a H2-O2 fuel cell, the aerobic or oxidising electrode of an air Zn cell, the gas-permeable cathode of an alkali-electrolysing cell, etc.. The microporous PTFE film provided at the side of a gaseous phase facilitates diffusion of gases while inhibiting liquid diffusion. This film is firmly bonded to the F-contg. resin film by elongating the laminate. The adhesiveness is further enhanced by performing elongation of the laminate under heated conditions. On elongation, PTFE readily forms a fibril, effective in gas permeability.
Process comprises mixing in suitable proportions (a) glucose of formula (C5H10O5)n or (C6H12O6)n after liquidising at 80 degrees C, with (b) urea formal in an electric mixer. The glucose acts as agglutinant, and the mixer gives a dense homogeneous prod.    Other ingredients, glyoxal, Al sulphate, essence and dye, are then added to the contents of the mixer.
A cell has a laminate of two permeable layers, at least one being electrically insulating. One layer has large pores to hold electrolyte in an ion conducting path between the electrodes, while the second has small pores to draw electrolyte from the first layer and is adjacent an interaction surface of one electrode to supply electrolyte to it.    The insulating layer is pref. of silicon carbide particles bonded with PTFE, and the large and small pores are 50-300 and 1-10 microns in size. There may be a small pore layer on each side of the large-pore layer, with this connected to an electrolyte reservoir. The cell has gaseous oxygen and hydrogen as reactants with an acid electrolyte and a precious metal catalyst between layers of laminated electrodes.
Battery of several prim. cells, esp. of the Al-atmospheric O2 type, is fitted with a storage tank for the electrolyte which is connected through a valve with an electrolyte activation tank. This tank lies at least partly above the working level of the electrolyte. A pump can feed electrolyte through branch lines to every cell in a circuit which passes through the activation tank.    Such a battery has a long life at heavy duty, and has an infinite shelf life (by activation and deactivation). It can be quickly recharged by replacing aluminium and electrolyte and is ideal for standby or emergency operation.
Cell housing comprises a cup shaped container with a cover and an electrically insulating sealing gasket compressively disposed between the container sidewall and the periphery of the cover. The housing contains a first electrode (16) in contact with the container, a second electrode in contact with the cup, a separator (14) between the two electrodes and an electrolyte in ionic contact with the electrodes. A rigid annulus (26) is compressively disposed between the base of the sealing gasket and the separator and has a number of channels (27) which provides gas passage around the separator and between the two electrodes.    Pref. annulus (26) is of a polymeric fluorocarbon, polyvinyl, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or nylon.    Used in miniature sealed galvanic cells for radios, hearing aids, watches, and calculators. Gas pressure can cause leakage or distortion of the cell, possibly damaging the apparatus in which it is disposed.
Plastics closure member has a resilient peripheral flange defined by an annular groove (6) in the upper surface of the closure member, the flange defining an annular notch which forms an outer sealing lip (12) and an inner venting lip (10) which inner lip (10) is deformed in part by the outer wall of the groove. The closure member has at least one aperture (16) extending through the base of the groove, and the closure member is compressed in the cell container (22) such that the venting lip (10) is positioned over the inner surface of the groove and against the inner wall of the groove to close thegroove. Internal pressure in the cell container exceeding a predetermined value causes the deflection of the venting lip (1) away from the inner wall of the groove to allow release of pressure in the cell.    Used in sealed galvanic cells. Previously pressure release has been via a metal/plastics interface, but such seals require use of a greasy sealant to protect the metal from the electrolyte and promote sealing. New seal is completely dry, can be assembled by conventional equipment and is reliably resealable.
Membrane used in hydrogen-oxygen type fuel cell, a metal-air type cell, or oxygen sensor, is obtd. by forming a water-repellent layer on a porous film having minute pores of below 0.1 microns pore size, and forming a thin layer consisting of rutile crystal structure type metal oxide on the water-repellent layer.    The water-repellent layer has 0.01-1.0 microns thickness, and consists of PTFE, fluoroethylene propylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene oxide, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a copolymer. The metal oxide is SnO2, TiO2, VO2, MoO2, WO2, RuO2, NbO2, CrO2, alpha-ReO2, OsO2, RhO2, IrO2, PtO2, or a mixt. The porous film consists of polycarbonate, cellulose ester or polypropylene.
Membrane is obtd. by forming a water-repellent layer on a porous film having minute pores of below 0.01-1.0 micron pore size, and forming a thin layer consisting of oxygen adsorbing metal oxide on the water-repellent layer. The water-repellent layer has 0.01-0.1 micron thickness, and consists of an organo-fluorine cpd. such as PTFE, fluoroethylene propylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulphide, polyethylene and/or polypropylene. The metal oxide is SnO2, ZnO, Cu2O, MnO, NiO and/or Co3O4. The porous film consists of polycarbonate, cellulose ester, or polypropylene.    Oxygen gas selective permeable membrane is used in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, a metal-oxygen cell, or an oxygen sensor.
An electrochemical power generator comprises stacked unit cells with interposed interconnectors, and uses an anode active material of mainly H2 gas and an oxidising gas as cathode active material.    Each unit cell comprises (a) a porous C plate anode (20) having an anode catalyst layer (24) on one surface and gas passage grooves (21) on its other surface having first ribs (22b) and wider second ribs (22a) formed between adjacent grooves; (b) a cathode (29) having a cathode catalyst layer (28) on one surface and a hydrophobic fluoropolymer resin powder on its other surface, and having catalyst dispersed in the substrate (27) from the boundary with the catalyst layer to a point inside the substrate; and (c) an electrolyte layer (26) between electrodes contacting the catalyst layers, prepd. by impregnating an acid electrolyte into heat- and chemical-resistant inorganic cpd. powder. The interconnectors (31) each consist of a high density C plate having gas passage grooves (30) on the surface contacting the cathode.    The cell structure provides optimum gas flow and good electrolyte retention, providing stable operation at high generating efficiency for long periods, e.g. internal resistance increasing only 0.01ohm/cm2 over 5000 hr. and voltage drop only 0-0.1V.c.
Method comprises (1) kneading (a) 100 pts. wt. carbonaceous powder of mesh size at most 100 with (b) 12-30 pts. wt. mixed resin contg. vinylphenol polymer and phenol resin initial condensate having epoxy group, (2) moulding mixt. by heat-pressure moulding into plate, (3) preliminarily heating at up to 200 deg.C., and (4) hardening by heating at 220-270 deg.C.    Chemical resistance, heat resistance, gas impermeability, etc. are improved.    In an example, 40 pts. wt. paravinylphenol polymer, and novolak type phenol resin initial condensate having epoxy group were dissolved in acetone. The resin solution (20 pts. wt.) was added to graphite powder (100 pts. wt.), which was kneaded at 90 deg.C. under 0.5 kg/cm2 for 2 hrs. The kneaded mixture was dried, filtered up to 80 mesh and moulded into plate. The plate was sliced into 8.0 mm. thickness, heated at 180 deg.C. for 24 hrs. and hardened at 250 deg.C.
Electrode comprises, (1) Zn alloy powder composed of both at least 1 of Hg, In, Pb, Zn and metal Zn powder having particle dia. 1-6 micron and (2) zinc oxide powder having particle dia. 0.1-0.5 micron. Coarse crystallisation of cathode active agent in charge-discharge cycle is prevented, zinc electrode breakdown is suppressed and battery cycle life is improved.    In an example, Zn metal powder placed in 3-5% Hg chloride soln. for 10 min., is washed with water, acetone and dried to give Hg-Zn alloy (Hg 3%) fine powder. Then ZnO powder 100 wt.%, 10 wt.% Hg-Zn alloy powder, 2 wt.% HgO powder, 5 wt.% PTFE dispersion (conc. 60%) + 50 wt.% water, were milled. Obtd. dispersion was pressed by a roller into 1.0 mm. thick paste sheet. The paste sheets were adhered on both surfaces of cathode collector to give 1.5 mm. zinc electrode.
Cell has on the side of a microporous separator plate, which is facing the negative plate, either granular or powdery material which can be sintered or bonded to that side. The granular material can be mixed with PVC powder it is sintered to the negative side of the separator.    This ensures that enough expanding material is present to prevent poisoning over many years.    Specifically lead-plate separator packet (18) consists of a sequence of positive plates (11), wave separators (17) used as spacers, microporous separators (16), and negative plates (12). The surface (15) of the flexible separator plates (16) are coated on the side towards the negative plate (12) with granular material (14) in uniform distribution. Addn. of H2SO4 starts to expand the granules which diffuse into the negative plate. Wood meal or Cologne earth at a unit wt. of 2.5 mg/cm2 is recommended.
Battery has an insulator between and attached to anode and cathode casings holding active material, a separator between the materials, and a bidirectional gas switch with a single membrane covering a cathode casing opening and with at least one formed passageway, such that the membrane and casings form an inner region within the battery.    A liquid of low vapour pressure is located in at least the passageway when the pressure difference across the membrane between the inner and outer region is less than a given value to prevent gas exchange between the regions. The liquid flows out of the passageway and onto the lower pressure side of the membrane when the battery supplies current and oxygen is extracted from the inner region to produce a larger pressure difference, opening the passageway and allowing oxygen from the outer to enter the inner region. The membrane is pref. of polypropylene with microscopic passageways or a circular hole 0.3 mm in dia. The liquid is pref. paraffin oil.
Substrate, e.g. of graphitised paper, is coated with a Raney Ni-Al alloy by plasma deposition, coated with a hydrophobic material (pref. a polymeric material such as PTFE), and then leached (pref. with aq. alkali metal hydroxide soln.) to remove at least part of the Al to form a coated porous electrode body.    Raney alloy is pref. 40-60 wt.% Ni/60-40 wt.% Al alloy powder of 200-300 mesh (USSS) size and is plasma deposited at 2600-2800 deg.C. using a metal feed rate of 8 power 8 - 12 power 8 cm/sec. to deposit a 1-10 mil thick coating. The hydrophobic material coating may be 1-2 mils thick. After leaching e.g. in KOH soln., the electrode is washed in distilled water and stored under water or dil. KOH soln. until required.    The electrode is useful in a galvanic cell, e.g. as a replacement for catalytic Pt hydrogen negative electrodes of Ni/hydrogen batteries. A high pressure compacting step is not required.
The plaque is made by sandwiching a porous diffuser between a perforated non platable support and a plastic substrate in which is embedded a Ni wire grid and which has a porosity greater than 65%. A Ni plating sensitising solution, water, a Ni plating catalyst soln., water and a Ni electroless plating soln. are then flowed in succession through the substrate, diffuser and finally the support.    The Ni plating soln. pref. contains a boride and 0.02-0.03 g of Ni per cm2 of substrate is pref. deposited.    Used in batteries and fuel cells in aeronautical or space vehicles. Uniform Ni deposition on lightweight plaque is obtd.
Two pieces of thermoplastic are welded by bringing together under pressure edges heated at least to a fusion temp. so as to form a junction having a bead of plastic on at least one side. The junction is improved by heating the bead quickly to its fusion temp. then rapidly cooling it. The appts. used comprises a continuous strip of high resistivity, electrically conductive material, pref. a titanium-containing material, connected to a power source and disposed over a central opening, pref. a trough in communication with a series of grooves, in a support attached to a frame defining an enclosed space, the surface of the frame pref. corresponding to the conformation of the joint. The frame has an opening in communication with the central opening in the support and is connected to means of drawing ambient air through it from the outside to cool the bead rapidly after heating by passing current through the strip.    Method and appts. are used for increasing the integrity, reliability of welded joints, partic. in battery jars formed of thermoplastic comprising two box like elements welded together.
Ebonite mixt. consists of (in pts. wt.) an oil-filled butadiene-styrene rubber contg. 15-30% oil 100, a reclaimed rubber 80-230, S 65-80, aceluator 2-4, slaked lime 10-15, plasticiser, 8-12, kerogenite (sic) contg. 85-90% organic material 500-900 and kaolin 30-80. The mixt. has a low density and enhanced heat resistance.    The mixt. is vulcanised, at 200-210 deg.C over 5-10 mins. The kerogenite is recovered from shale beneficiation processes; it has a density of 1.12-1.16 g/cc and specific surface 6-15 sq/m. Bul.25/7.7.83
Electrode comprises a porous backing sheet and a catalytically active layer comprising a catalyst and a mixt. of hydrophobic agglomerates (I) and hydrophilic agglomerates (II). The particle size of (I) and (II) increases from the electrolyte-permeable side of the catalyst layer to the backing sheet contacting side and the wt.% of (I) increases from the electrolyte permeable side to the backing sheet contacting side.    (I) pref. comprises C particles and a fluorocarbon and (II) pref. comprises C particles, a fluorocarbon and an organic dispersant; the catalyst is pref. dispersed uniformly throughout the layer.    Used esp. in metal-air cells, e.g. Fe-air cells. Electrode maximises output whilst minimising flooding. (First major country equivalent to J59040468-A)
Gas and liq-tight seal, partic. for lead batteries, with plastic bodies, has a ring of resilient thermoplastic round the shaft of the electrode and this ring is completely encapsulated in a second elastic covering.    Specifically, the electrode shaft (1) is bushed with a first ring (2) of elastomer or similar e.g. of 'Vestopren TP' (RTM) which is a modified polyolefin with high elasticity. This ring (2) is then completely encapsulated in a second covering (3) of the same polymer as is used for the battery case e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene. The top face of the second polymer can then be perfectly welded to the cover (4).    The electrode seal is simple to produce and remains highly effective.
The fabric (I) comprises a web of biaxially oriented elongated synthetic thermoplastic fibres (II) embedded in a film of a polymer (III). (II) and (III) exhibit a difference in aq. contact angle of at least 50 and a difference in initial tensile modulus of 5000 psi. (I) has at least 100000 perforations per sq. in..    The (III) is selected from thermoplastic, thermosetting, filled with thermosetting or blends of orientable thermoplastic polymers with an incompatible second phase comprising polymer or inorganic material. (III) has m.pt. lower than melt-curing temp. of (II). Pref. (I) is impregnated with a wetting agent.    Fabric (I) has high porosity for non-fibre and polymer solvent fluids. It is useful e.g. as a leather substitute, synthetic paper etc. printing substrate or as a battery separator.
A battery has a cylindrical can holding a polypropylene insulating disc, a Li strip anode with a Ni grid pressed into it, a separator, a cathode of carbon monofluoride, carbon and PTFE mixture applied to a Ti grid, electrolyte and a plastic washer, and a cap assembly with polypropylene insulating seal, a Ti disc with a cathode contact tab welded to its lower surface, a polymeric positive temp. coefficient resistance switch and a Ni terminal cap.    The separator is of nonwoven polypropylene with a wt. of 0.6 oz/yard2, and the electrolyte is 1M Li tetrafluoroborate dissolved in gamma-butyrolactone. The switch is of low-resistance conductive polymer sandwiched between two metal sheets and when heated externally or internally by current flow to a threshold undergoes an abrupt resistance discontinuity to high resistance which prevents venting or explosion due to excessive internal heat and pressure buildup.
Generator comprises an anode compartment (15) and a cathode compartment (17) sepd. by a semipermeable membrane (7), each compartment contg. an electrode active material (sand 11) and an electrolyte and the active material (5) of at least one of the electrodes comprising an electronically conductive organic polymer.    The novel feature is that, in one of the compartments (15) when the active material is an organic polymer, the electrolyte of that compartment comprises an electroactive cpd which is soluble in the electrolyte and has a redox potential equal to or higher than the absolute value of the organic polymer with which it is in contact.    Used partic as battery. Transport of electrons in the organic polymer is accelerated while diffusion in the polymer of the counter-ions from the electrolyte is also improved.
The battery has a number of dry cell units stacked on top of each other in series connection, where each cell comprises (-) a composite positive electrode contg. electrolyte, having top and bottom surfaces and at least one side; (b) a waterproof acid resistant lining enclosing the side(s) of the positive electrode, leaving exposed the central areas of top and bottom surfaces; (c) a paper sheet abutting the bottom surface of the positive electrode; (d) a negative electrode sheet abutting the paper sheet; (e) a C film having its upper surface abutting the negative electrode; and (f) a plastics case retaining the cell components and leaving exposed the central areas of the top surface of the positive electrode and lower surface of the C film.    No extra space is needed for lining expansion, allowing an increase in positive electrode vol., hence battery capacity.
The cell (11) comprises a compartment (15) with a conductive metal base (21) and a flexible, heat resistant, elastomeric base sheet (23) covering the base (21). There is a number of anodes (13) in electrical contact with (21) and passing through to form a liquid-tight seal separating (21) from the cell compartment. There is also a number of cathodes within the compartment.    The sheet (23) comprises 25-75 wt.% rubber from polyolefin (pref. ethylene/propylene), butyl, neoprene, natural or their mixtures.    The sheet (23) has extraordinary long life even in the hostile conditions of an electrolysis cell (23) has substantial dimensional stability thus preventing leakage from cell. (23) may be stored for extended periods compared to prior art materials.
Electrode is obtd. by electrolytically oxidising and polymerising a 5-membered ring cpd. (e.g. imidazole, 1-vinylimidazole, 2,2,4-triazole, etc.) having at least two hetero-atoms, a 5-membered ring cpd. (e.g. benzimidazole, benzothiophene, etc.) having at least one hetero-atom to which at least one benzene ring is condensed, or a nitrile cpd. (e.g. benzonitrile) so that the electrically conductive coating of the polymer is formed on the surface of a conductor (e.g. graphite) that has acted as a working electrode of the electrolytic oxidn. and polymerisation.    The polymer coated on the conductor is electrically conductive, and has excellent adhesion to the surface of the conductor. The thickness of the polymer can be readily adjusted. The electrode is used as an electrode for cells.
Porous electrodes, adapted for vertical use in a cell of the type where one side of the electrode is in contact with aq. electrolyte and the opposite side faces the gas source, consist of (A) a porous, electroconductive, hydrophobic body comprising PVC or copolymers, polyethylene, polybutylene, polypropylene, polytrifluoro or polytetrafluoro ethylene, supported on a carbon cloth; and (B) an electrochemical catalyst. (A) has a thin, porous, hydrophilic layer of asbestos, alumina or silica gel on the surface in contact with electrolyte, the layer being bonded to (A) by a hydrophobic polymer without loss of hydrophilicity.    The electrodes can operate in large capacity cells with a stable three phase interface in the electrode without gas percolation.
Organic battery has an organic polymer electrode of electroconductive macromol, film with an enlarged total cross-sectional area. The film can be cut or perforated and pref. consists of polyacetylene (I). The charge and discharge efficiency is improved. A compact, high power battery can be made.    (I) film was placed between 2 Pt foils, contacted with these through a polypropylene separator and placed in a glass vessel. A soln. of LiClO4 in propylene carbonate was added as electrolyte and the battery was evacuated and sealed. The battery was charged the 4 C/cm2 at room temp. with a 10 mA current, when the dopant concn. in the (I) film was y= 0.068. If the film was cut into 2 pieces, y= 0.078 and if it was cut into 4 pieces, y= 0.114.
Compsn. for prodn. of battery separator sheets comprises a mixt. of (a) a copolymer of ethylene and (meth)acrylic acid contg. 10-23 mole % of the acid and having a standard load melt index (MI) of 0-5, the acid being substantially neutralised with an alkali(ne earth) metal cation; and (b) a copolymer of ethylene and (meth)acrylic acid contg. at least ca. 25 mole % of the acid and having a MI of 10-100, the acid being neutralised with an alkali(ne earth) metal cation; and the wt. ratio (a):(b)= 0.3-2. Pref. the copolymers (a) and (b) are each neutralised with Cation and the sheets formed from the compsn. are 0.5-10 mils thick.    The membranes are mounted between the plates of alkaline batteris e.g. of the nickel-zinc type. The separators inhibit zinc dendrite formation between the zinc and nickel electrodes and contact between the plates due to plate warping etc., thus increasing battery life and preventing battery failure and loss of capacity upon repeated recharge.
The electrolyte is the iodide of a heterocyclic electropositive iodine-I cpd. The electrolyte contains an equimolar amt. of I2 w.r.t. the heterocyclic cpd. The heterocyclic cpd. is an aprotic polymer base of the vinylpyridine or vinylquinoline type and contains iodine in the polymer mol. The anode is an alkali(ne earth) metal or alloy. The depolariser is I2, which is dissolved in the electrolyte in an amt. giving a wt. ratio of electrolyte: depolariser of 1:0.7-7.    The specific resistance is reduced, whilst the solubility of the cathode depolariser and the anodic reaction prods. is increased, which reduces the internal resistance of the cell and the rate of which this increases during discharge. Few I2 crystals are formed in the electrolyte and deposited on the surface of the Li anode. The cell is useful in microelectronic equipment requiring current for many years.
The cathode consists of a mixt. of a halogen (I) and a high polymer (II) contg. N and/, having at least 60% isotactic configuration and an average mol.wt. of 5000-12,000. (I) is I2. (II) is poly-2-vinylpyridine with a mol.wt. of 5000-12,000. A Li anode is used.    The cathode compsn. has a lower viscosity than usual and hence better electroconductivity. It is esp. useful in low power cells, esp. in requiring an energy source of high reliability and constant potential for several years, e.g. heart pacemaker cells.
The cell comprises (a) a plurality of spaced alternate Ni and Cd electrodes to define interelectrode spaces; (b) a separator in each of the interelectrode spaces for retaining KOH electrolyte and permitting transit of oxygen gas; (c) a battery case for maintaining electrolyte in the separators and (d) a reservoir space in the battery case contg. a porous material (I) and electrolyte in the (I), the (I) being positioned to reduce in thickness to accommodate for expansion of the Ni electrode during repeated electrical cycling of the cell.    (I) is compatible with KOH, at least as compressible as the separator material, and has a pore structure such that it can retain electrolyte without flooding the cell and release electrolyte as the electrode expands.    The separators are e.g. of zirconia fabric reinforced by an organic polymer which is alkali stable and wettable by KOH, esp. polysulphone or polybenzimidazole.    The reservoir space provides an increased amt. of KOH electrolyte so that as the Ni electrode expands during cycling, electrolyte is withdrawn from the separator by compression or crushing and by capillary action into the nickel electrode to provide enhanced cell life. The increased interelectrode spacing also increases lifetime limited by short circuiting due to Cd interelectrode deposits.
The outlay separator (14) comprises crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol having 1-20wt.% of a filler dispersed therein. The filler has a particle size of up to 50 microns and is inert to the alkaline electrolyte (15) of the battery (10). The filler is Ti02, a silicate, titanate, zirconate aluminate, e.g. lead zirconate titanate, lead titanate or calcium zirconium silicate, wood flow or ligin. It is mixed with the polyvinyl alcohol before shaping and crosslinking.    The filler enhances the performance of the battery separator and increases by up to 5 times the number of cycles that can be attained before capacity loss. /0
The compn. is developed from a mixture consisting of a particulate hydridable material, a fibrillatable organic polymer (I) and a major amount of a removable pore farmer. Porosing is developed by removal of the pore former after fibrillation of (I).    The hydridable material is LaNi5, Mg, Ti, V, Nb or Pd or an alloy of Ti, Co, Ni, Fe, Zr, Mg, Ca, Mn or a rare earth. (I) is polyretrafluorothylene (PTFE) of polypropylene. The pore former is an organic polymer of M.wc. 100000-1000000 which melts below the temp. at which any of the components react with each other, or a leachable polymer such as water soluble polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide which is leached in an ultrasonic water bath. The compn. includes a supporting polymer for (I), e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene (which may be the pore farmer). The compn. comprises 50-75wt.% hydridable ma material, 0.5-5Wt.% (I) and 10-47wt.% pore farmer (but 70-80 vol.%. pore former). After removal of the pore farmer the compn. comprises 75-95wt.% hydridable material and 1-5wt.% (I). The pore former wets the surfaces of the particles. The . is non-aq. and is processed in a roll mill, and extruder or moulding apparatus. (I) is fibrillated in situ during processing.    The compn. is used for hydrogen storage electrodes for galvanic cells. Accessibility to the hydridable material in the compn. is maximised. /1
Accumulator casing consists of an open-topped main or lower part (12) and a closure lid (not shown). The side wall of the casing (12) has an opening for an electrode terminal element. The terminal element (15) is of lead and is cast in a metal form and has a thermoplastics surrounding plug (16). This plug (16) and the thermoplastics wall (12) of the accumulator casing are sealed together to form a tight joint.    Used for an accumulator where the electrodes pass out at the side in the upper zone of the side wall of the main casing. Arrangement enables the electrodes to be reduced in length, saving electrode material, and is partic. suitable for certain uses. The tightly sealed joint described overcomes leakage problems.
An electrochemical cell comprises a metal housing (12) contg. an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. The housing has an open end in the proximity of which the walls (14) are conical.    The novel feature is that the cell is sealed at the top by a metal cap (11) which has a conicity complementary and corresp. to that of the housing wall and has a tight fit with the wall.    The housing constitutes an electrical terminal for the anode or the cathode and the metal cap constitutes the electrical terminal for the other electrode. Between the conical wall of the housing and the conical wall of the metal cap is a thin sealing layer (15) held compressed by the tight fit of the cap.    For cells partic. of the non aq. type the joint (15) is reliable and of low cost. It can also serve as a venting mechanism which can be abruptly or slowly operated.
An electrochemical cell comprises an anode (12), a cathode collector (4), a porous separator (6,10) between the anode and cathode collector (4) and an electrolyte (26) all within a container (2) having a cover. The electrolyte (26) comprises a liquid active reducible cathode and a conductive solute. The cathode collector (4) has recesses (15,17) on the surface facing the anode (12).    The cathode collector (4) comprises a carbonaceous material, e.g. acetylene black, and 5-30 wt.% of a binder, e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) a vinyl polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, an acrylic polymer, polystyrene or rubber. The active reducible cathode is an oxyhalide of a Group V or VI element or a halide of a Group IV to VI element, e.g. SO2Cl2, SOCl2, POCl3, SCl, SBr or SeF4. The anode (12) is of lithium.    The cell is e.g. a high energy cell for a portable electrically powered device. The recesses (15,17) in the cathode collector (4) give improved areas of the liquid cathode to reaction sites on and within the cathode collector (4).
Pref. the aryl acetylene polymer is of formula (I) where X is H, halogen, or CN; A is alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, NO2, CN, NH2 or halogen; n is 0-5, and m is a number that makes the mol. wt. of the polymer 5000 or more. Pref., Li salt is halide or its cpd. of higher order, borofluoride and/or perchlorate.    If the coating agent is only applied, a diaphragm having a large area can be obtd., the lithium ion conductivity is high and a large electric current can be obtd. As a high mol. resin membrane having a high strength can be obtd. by coating, the assembling of cells can be efficiently carried out.
Container injection moulding assembly includes at least one elongate core member (6) supported at one end which may be moved into a cavity member (2), having at least one plastics injection aperture (16), to define the bottom and side walls of the container. Pref. the container has at least one integral partition and the core member is split into a number of spaced cores. The base surface of the core, or cores, is planar except for at least one, pref. two, projecting formations, (10), pref. comprising inserts secured in surface recesses, having recesses (14), pref. of tapered cross-section which do not extend beyond the plane of the core member surface. The recesses receive restraining members (18), pref. having a common actuating member, during the initial part of the moulding cycle. Alternatively, the actuating members may be incorporated in the cores, have recessed ends, and mate with static projections in the base of the cavity member.    Moulding assembly is partic. intended for the moulding of thin-walled, multi-partitioned containers of plastic for use as battery containers, the partitions having wall thicknesses of 2mm or less.
Cell comprises a sealed housing contg. an electrochemical cell element consisting of a zinc electrode with current collector and active mass; a nickel electrode; a separator between them; a known amount of electrolyte in the cell housing, terminals connected to the electrodes; and a means for oxidising the hydrogen evolved in service to maintain a low internal pressure. The zinc electrode is free of zinc metal in the discharged state.    Pref. the zinc electrode consists of a mixt. of zinc oxide, a source of cadmium in an amount to provide at least 20% of the ampere-hour capacity of the nickel electrode, and a carboxylated styrene butadiene binder in an amount sufficient to provide a coherent zinc electrode.    The cell is capable of being allowed to stand in storage for long periods in a discharged condition without undue pressure build-up. Minimal zinc passivation occurs. The cell has operate at relatively high current levels. The cell possesses improved tolerance to overcharge conditions.
Separator (13) is prepd. by passing fibrous polypropylene sheets through a corona discharge to create surface porosity and impregnating the sheets with phenylglycine or parahydroxyphenylglycine.    The separator is used in a nickel/cadmium cell. It resists degradation by heat or rapid discharging and charging. The sheets are impregnated by immersion in a 25-50 wt.%. soln. of the glycine cpd. and are compressed to remove excess soln. then dried to remove solvent.
Cell comprises (a) an anode (14); (b) a cathode (12), pref. a mixt. of an iodine acceptor component and an organic donor component, pref. poly(2-vinylpyridine) or poly(4-vinylpyridine); (c) a cathode current collector (16); and (d) a conductive liq. layer (38) of I2 dissolved in a solvent, pref. a polymeric organic material, esp. poly(2-vinylpyridine) or poly(4-vinylpyridine), between and interconnecting cathode and cathode current collector.    The cell is mfd. by placing a preformed body of polymeric organic material capable of dissolving I2 against the contact surface of the cathode current collector; and assembling anode; cathode, cathode current collector and preformed body in an electrochemically operative relationship, with the body between cathode and current collector. The polymeric body dissolves I2 from the cathode to form the conductive liq. layer.    The liq. layer provides good electrical contact between cathode and current collector, reducing internal resistance, e.g. from 100-300 ohms to about 75 ohms. The ratio of I2 to poly(2-vinylpyridine) in the cathode is pref. greater than 20:1, esp. at least 50:1. The cathode current collector is pref. in the form of a container. The polymeric solvent may be provided as an envelope, or may be coated onto the contact surfaces of the cathode current collector. It is pref. 1-5 mils thick. The cell components are pref. subjected to a heat soak, esp. at 100 deg. C for 1 hr., after contacting the current collector, polymeric solvent and cathode, esp. after final assembly of the cell.
The fuel electrode and oxidiser electrode of a fuel cell utilizing electrochemical reaction to provide electrical energy are separated by an organic high molecular weight electrolyte that will dissociate in the presence of water. Typically at least part of the fuel or oxidizer component of the cell is liquid (and pref. contains water) when the cell is operating. Pref. the electrolyte is a high mol.wt. polymer, e.g. polystyrene, polyethylene, methacrylate polymers, or styrene/butadiene and styrene/divinylbenzene copolymers, substd. by strong acid e.g. sulphonic acid gps., or basic e.g. amino or quaternary ammonium gps. such as -CH2N(CH3)3Cl or -CH2N(CH2CH2OH)(CH3)2Cl, and contains water in which it is partly dissolved; typically it is in the form of a paste contg. water and an inactive thickening agent, e.g. an inorganic powder having a high specific resistance.    Leakage of the electrolyte from the electrolyte chamber is prevented so that an electrical short-circuit between anode and cathode can be avoided. The cell does not employ the highly corrosive electrolytes typifying the prior art.
Active components are housed within a container having a cover closing its open end which has at least one safety vent orifice containing a force-fitted member pref. made of PTFE, FEP, perfluoroalkoxyethylene, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylic, metal, glass, or ceramic to provide a normally fluid-tight seal. A material which is not corroded by the active components, pref. nylon, polyethylene, PTFE, FEP, perfluoroalkoxyethylene, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, wax, glass, or metal, is interposed between the walls of the vent orifice and the force-fitted member, the material being in the form of a liner or a sheet enveloping a large part of the member within the orifice. Upon the gas pressure inside the cell building up to a predetermined level, either the force-fitted member, the corrosion-resistant material, or both deform resiliently so that the member is partially expelled from the orifice to provide a permanent vent to atmos.    Pref. a conductive tube surrounds the vent orifice and contains a layer of sealant which overlies the force-fitted member and the vent orifice. The member may be coated with a chemical inert with respect to the cell components.    Electrochemical cell is partic. a non-aqueous cell containing an oxyhalide electrolyte. Cell is designed to vent any build-up of pressurized gas at a predictable low pressure using a safety, non-resealable vent closure which is inexpensive to mfr. and easy to assemble. The walls of the vent are protected from corrosion by an inert material to ensure that release of a vent-blocking member will not be prevented by changing coefficients of friction.
Cell has a diaphragm/gasket member over an anode and cathode in a container with a cover secured over and insulated from its open end. The cover has at least one opening with at least two co-operating teeth which are bent inwardly towards the diaphragm part of the member so that under a given internal gas pressure the diaphragm is forced against the teeth sharp ends to be punctured and torn to form a gas vent.    The opening is pref. formed by overlapping circular, square or triangular contours, and the undersurface at least of the member has a protective coating, e.g. of asphalt, wax of fatty polyamide, to provide resistance to caustic electrolyte. The member is e.g. of fluorocarbon polymer, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or nylon, partic. nylon-6-12.
An assembly has a nonwoven polypropylene layer separating a lithium strip with a Ni current-collecting grid pressed into it and a layer of carbon monofluoride, carbon and PTFE binder on a Ti grid. An outer polypropylene separator layer has a rectangular opening to expose the anode.    The assembly is rolled with the cathode innermost and separator outermost and the opening encircling the outermost turn. The roll is inserted into a metal can with an insulating polypropylene washer on the bottom, and a gasket is located between roll top and an insulating cover, a rivet centred in the cover contacting the cathode as the negative terminal. The can holds electrolyte and is crimped to form a groove aligned with the opening and contacting the anode. Lithium and can be fused together by heating the groove with a laser beam, so that the can acts as positive terminal.
The battery has an active metal anode (a); a liq. electrolyte (b); and an active, solid cathode (c). Liq. (b) is a solvate complex with low vapour pressure, contg. SO2, plus one or more alkali(ne earth) metal salts (b1) soluble in SO2 and forming a complex. The equiv. ratio (ER) of b1:SO2 is between 1:1 and 1:7. Anode (a) is pref. Li.    Salt (b1) is pref. LiAlCl4, LiGaCl4, LiBF4, LiBCl4, LiInCl4, NaAlCl4, NaGaCl4, NaBF4, NaBCl4, NaInCl4, Ca(AlCl4)2, Ca(GaCl4)2, Ca(BF4)2, Ca(BCl4)2, Ca(InCl4)2, Sr(AlCl4)2, Sr(GaCl4)2, Sr(BF4)2, Sr(BCL4)2, Sr(InCl4)2, Li3SbCl6, and/or LiSbCl4. Numerous pref. cathodes (c) include poly-p-phenylene or its sulphide, but the esp. pref. materials (c) are CuCl2, CuO, CuS or MnO2.
A multicell lead accumulator encloses in a block casing the plate blocks consisting of alternating positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes. The blocks are thinner than the width of the cell container. At least one wall of the cell partitions or face walls has a cavity which is accessible through a channel from one end so that a blister can be formed by injecting a plastic foam (polyurethane) under pressure.    This results in a shake proof assembly which is readily suitable for mass production.
A thin flat cell has a planar anode, cathode and separator and electrolyte (27) secured together to make low resistance electrical contact. The anode or cathode includes an opening(s) (4,5) for venting gases formed in the cell, with a continuous layer of gas permeable, electrolyte impermeable material, pref. polymeric sheet covering the openings. The separator pref. has its marginal portions (42) impregnated with electrolyte impermeable thermoplastic polymer, esp. vinyl hot melt adhesive.    A flat battery comprises at least two flat cells connected in series by an electrolyte impermeable, electronically conducting inter cell connector, with the openings in an end electrode. A photographic film assembly comprises (a) a photographic film cassette (10) having a transparent front wall portion (19) and a withdrawal opening (20) in a side wall; (b) a stack of planar photographic film units (11) arranged for exposure through the front wall of the cassette and selective withdrawal; (c) a planar battery as above; and (d) a gas collector (12) for escaping gas.    The vents allows the physical integrity of the battery to be maintained and a void gas build up causing loss of continuity between cell components.
Space between the opposed ribs of a thermoplastic battery container is modified or enlarged using a non-circular wiping member, having a minor axis no greater than the space between the ribs and a major axis pref. no greater than the maximum enlarged space possible, the wiping member pref. having an oval cross-section. The wiping member is heated to a plastic softening temp., positioned in the battery container with its minor axis between the ribs, and rotated.    Method enables thermoplastic battery containers which have been moulded in a single standard size with a minimum between the ribs space for accommodating a minimum sized battery element to be modified to accommodate larger elements in a single operation without generating scrap material.
Plug contg. a porous disc for venting an accumulator casing has a body made of thermoplastic material with a cavity into which the disc is located and sealed by a peripheral burr gouged from the upper parts of the cavity walls by a punch after the surface material of the walls has been thermally softened.    The plugs may be made of ABS or polypropylene and the discs of sintered polyethylene or polypropylene. Both heating and forming are pref. effected by a punch of slightly larger dia. than the bore of the cavity where the punch itself is an ultrasonic heating tool, but other forms of heating, e.g. conduction or microwave, may be used where appropriate.    Used for mfr. of plugs to vent the casing without allowing interaction between an external flame and a hydrogen atmos. within the accummulator. The base of the plug cavity includes a smaller recess with a lateral passage to the outer atmos.
The prodn. of a porous film suitable for microfilters for treating water or water solns., reverse-osmotic membranes, or separators of batteries or capacitors is claimed. Polypropylene is blended with polyethylene and formed into a film. It is drawn along 2 axes. (J50146571-A)
The metal consists of spongy or powder sintered Ni, Ni-Cr, Ni-Cr-Al, Cu, Cu-Ni, Ag or Pt, esp. Ni. The polymer is polyacetylene or polypyrrole. The electrode pref. is produced by polymerisation of acetylene in situ on the porous metal using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.    The contact between the polyacetylene film and the electrode is improved to increase the cell discharge current.
The fabric contains at least 2 different types of fibres, one of which is (un)doped polyacetylene (I).    The fabric contains 1-99% (I). The other fibres may be inorganic or organic fibres, e.g. glass, asbestos, carbon, wool, manilla, cotton linter, paper pulp, Edgeworthia papyrifera, rayon, PVA, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile, PVC, PVDC, polyethylene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyether, poly-p-phenylene sulphide or vinyl (co)polymers. 1-30% may be binder fibres, e.g. PVA which is soluble in hot water, low melting polyesters, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate/isophthalate, etc.    The fabric is used as electrode material for storage batteries. (I) increases the electroconductivity.
Anode compsn. comprises: (a) a macromolecular plastic or elastomeric ionically conducting material; (b) a finely divided Li alloy of particle size below 40 microns, chosen such that the activity of the Li in the alloy corresponds to potentials below +1.2V w.r.t. a Li electrode; (c) particles of a carbon cpd. of formula LixC (where x is 0-0.3) of particle size below 40 microns. The material includes some homo and/or copolymers derived from one or more monomers contg. a heteroatom which will adequately solvate the Li+ cation, and a Li salt.    The anode is for use in lithium opt. rechargeable cells operating in non-aq. media at temps. below 175 deg.C. Use of a Li alloy reduces the risks of development of dendrites and of passivation of interfaces. Use of powdered alloys permits use of a wide range of mfg. techniques. The amt. of Li which can be used in the anode can be considerably increased without appreciable penalty due to the use of carbon particles in the electrode.
The separators are made by impregnating a sheet of regenerated cellulose in an aq. environment in a treating zone outside of an electrochemical cell sequentially with two different selected reagents for a time and temp. sufficient to separately introduce Ag and Ti into the cellulose so that the Ag and Ti form a complex in the cellulose to improve the oxidn. resistance of the cellulose.    Impregnation is pref. carried out at 70-80 deg.C. Pref. the reagent introducing Ag is ca. 1% AgNO3 soln. which also contains ca. 1 wt.% Na acetate. The reagent introducing Ti is titanium sulphur oxide or titanium chloride, esp. a ca. 1 wt.% soln. of Ti sulphur oxide also contg. ca. 1 wt.% Na2CO3, or ca. 0.5 wt.% titanium chloride soln. also contg. ca. 1.0 wt.% Sb2O3. The reagents can be applied in either order, esp. to give an Ag concn. in the material of 1-2 wt.% and a Ti content of ca. 8 wt.% after impregnation.    The sheets exhibit improved oxidn. resistance of the cellulose when used as a separator in an electrochemical cell, and also improved resistance to the penetration of Ag when incorporated into an electrochemical cell having Ag as one of the electrodes, Zn as the other electrode and an alkali hydroxide as the electrolyte.
The separator is made by impregnating a sheet of regenerated cellulose in an aq. environment in a treating zone outside of an electrochemical cell simultaneously with separate selected reagents for a time and temp. sufficient to introduce Ag and Ti separately into the cellulose, so that the Ag and Ti form a complex in the cellulose to improve the oxidn. resistance of the cellulose.    Impregnation is pref. carried out at 70-80 deg.C. The treating zone pref. includes an aq. soln. of alkali metal hydroxide and a Ti-contg. material chosen from an organic titanate, TiO2, alkali metal titanates or alkaline earth metal titanates, esp. KOH satd. with K titanate. The Ag reagent is pref. a ca. 1 wt.% soln. of AgNO3 satd. with an alkali metal acetate and the reagents are used in amts. such that the combined wt. ratio of the alkali metal hydroxide and Ti-contg. material to AgNO3 and alkali metal acetate is ca. 5:1.    The sheets exhibit improved oxidn. resistance of the cellulose when used as a separator in an electrochemical cell, and also improved resistance to the penetration of Ag when incorporated into an electrochemical cell having Ag as one of the electrodes, Zn as the other electrode and an alkali hydroxide as the electrolyte.
Elements are made of a first microporous layer of an inorganic material, a synthetic ribre material and a binder, and a second layer with synthetic ribre material without inorganic material. The two layers are joined to one sheet by heating. When folded to a bag, the inward facing areas of the second layer containing no inorganic material are joined to each other by fusion so that the sheet can be formed to the shape of a bag.    Such a separator combines the good oxidation stability due to the inorganic material with the good thermofusion of the organic material and its greater fold strength.
Cell comprises a laminate with (A) an electrolyte layer of solid electrolyte contg. Li; (B) a moisture-proof layer surrounding or on both sides of (A); (C) organic electrodes on the outside of (B); and (D) contact plates on the outside of (C).    (C) pref. consist of poly(di)acetylene or polypyrrole doped with I2, AsF5 or Br2. (A) is LiI, Li3N, a mixt. of LiI and Li3N or LiC1O4. (B) is pref. an ion-permeable, moisture-proof material, comprising SiO2, MgF2, CaF2 or SiO. (D) pref. consist of Ni, Al or Sn. The thickness of (C) is pref. 100-200 microns and of (D) 150-200 microns. In particular, the cell consists of LiI powder, a layer of SiO2 powder, polyacetylene film doped with I2, having an electroconductivity of 10 exp. 2/ohm.cm, and a Ni disc or plate and is in the form of a cylinder with a dia. of 10 mm and thickness of 900 microns.    The cell is thin and simple in construction. (B) extends its life-time.
The electrode consists of a sheet of foil (a) made of an organic material which conducts electricity. Sheet (a) is coated at least partly, on at least one side, with a thin metal film (b) at a temp. which causes no thermal decompsn. of material (a). Recoil ion implantation is then used to create inter-atomic diffusion at the interface (a-b).    Material (a) is pref. polyacetylene, polyparaphenylene, or polypyrrole; whereas film (b) is pref. Al, Ni or Sn, and may have the shape of a comb, mesh or points. Film (b) is pref. formed by a printing process, or by vacuum vapour deposition, at a temp. below 200 deg.C.    The organic electric cells or sec. cells, are of a conventional type and are not described. The invention improves the adhesion of film (b) to sheet (a), thereby improving electric current collection by the electrode (ab).
Carrier comprises a thin metal screen (12) having a thin layer (16) of coarse metal particles on one or both sides, (partly) filling the multiple openings (14) in the screen, sintered to themselves and the screen. The thin metal current carrier is made by (a) preparing a thin metal screen (12) to serve as conductor and mechanical support; (b) coating at least one side with adhesive; (c) depositing a layer(s) (16) of coarse metal particles onto the adhesive, covering the exposed surface of the screen and (partly) filling the openings; and (d) sintering the screen and particles.    An electrochemical cell electrode comprises (i) a metal current carrier as above, (ii) a porous active layer (22) adjacent the coarse metal layer, pref. of activated C and opt. binder of polyethylene, PTFE, polyperfluoro-chloro-ethylene or PVC and (iii) a gas permeable electrolyte repellant layer (24) adjacent the active layer, forming the gas side of the electrode, pref. plastic as the binder or polystyrene.    The screen is esp. useful in air electrodes for fuel cells, industrial electrolytic cells and metal air cells. The coarse metal particles provide a rough, high surface area interfacial layer cohesively bonding the active layer to the screen, minimising sepn. in use. The cell may have increased catalytic activity for decomposing peroxide ions.
Making electrical contact between an electrode in a coiled electrochemical cell and an external lead comprises (a) providing a conducting extension to the electrode in the form of a lug, (b) locating the electrode in a metallic cell container with an open end with the extension near the open end; (c) rolling the open end towards the inside of the cell; (d) imprisoning the extension by the rolled end by compression to form a contact between the container and the electrode.    The method avoids making solder joints and reduces no. of mfg. steps.
Cell comprises a liquid cathode containing a solute, an active anode, a cathode collector and a separator between the anode and the cathode collector. The separator comprises 85-95 wt.% glass fibres bound by 5-15 wt.% binder. The glass fibres are 0.125-0.5 inch long and 2-8 microns dia. At least 90% of the fibres are within 20% of the average length and within 20% of the average dia.    The separator is uniformly wetted by the liquid cathode and gives improved discharge performance of the cell at high rate discharge and is safer when charged.
Modified polyarylate- sulphones, useful as structural and electrical insulation materials having high heat resistance are obtd. by treating with a bisphenol A diepoxy (I) cpd. in a chlor-solvent at 80-130 deg. C for 2.5-6.0 hrs. in an amt. 0.3-1.0 wt.% on polyarylate- sulphone.    The process is simple and the prod. has high thermo-oxidative stability.    Typically, 10g of a poly-arylate- sulphone and 50 mls chlorobenzene are heated to 130 deg. C and 0.06g (I) are then added.    The mixt. is then held for 2.5 hrs.    The polymer is then ppted. with isopropanol, filtered and dried at 100 deg. C. The prod. has high heat resistance up to 300 deg. C.    Bul.9/7.3.83
The plant used in mfr. of battery covers is based on a Parent Cert., but to prevent damage to the parts by feeding them to the machining zone with greater precision, the mechanism (8) for pitch movement of the chain transporter has a friction mechanism (16) fixed on the lever and contacting the ratchet wheel. There is a fixing pawl acting with the ratchet wheel to limit the return stroke of the chain transporter.    The pitch movement mechanism (8) is regulated so that after the direct stroke during feed of the item to the working zone, the tooth of the ratchet wheel passes some way further than the fixing pawl. This ensures that during the return stroke,, as the lever acts with the ratchet wheel and friction disc, the pitch movement mechanism is turned back till the ratchet wheel tooth is against the fixing pawl. Bul.9/7.3.83.
Electrode comprises a support; an H3PO4-resistant conductive carrier; a mixt. of a Gp VIII catalyst and at least one oxide of Cr, Ga, Ge, Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta and W; and a wet-proofing binder. Pref. oxides are Ge, W, Ga and Ta oxides, and are present in an amt. of upto 30 wt.%, pref. up to 15 wt.% of the carrier wt. Wet-proofing binder is pref. TFE.    H3PO4-induced corrosion of the electrode is minimised and sintering of the electrode operating at above 300 deg.F is avoided.
The poles of a lead accumulator are sealed gas-and liq. tight by coating the surface of a lead pole with at least one, preferably two layers of an adhesive, consisting of a 10-30% (18-22%) solution of triphenyl methane -4,4',4"- tri-isocyanate or a 10-30% (18-22%) solution of thiophosphoric acid-tris (p-isocyanate-phenyl ester) in methylene chloride, preferably by spraying. The dry adhesive layer is coated with rubber and heated in presence of sulphur to vulcanise it.    This creates a permanent seal and cuts out any creep of the electrolyte underneath the pole coating.
A pressurised metal gas battery comprises (a) an enclosed pressure vessel contg. a stack of flat (metal) electrodes, reactant gas and electrolyte; (b) a flat nonconductive plate on each end of the stack, sandwiching the stack between them; (c) a cylindrical nonconductive centre rod passing through the centre of stack and end plates, aligned with the centre axis of the pressure vessel. The end plates and centre rod exert pressure against the inner wall of the vessel but are not bonded to it, mechanically supporting the stack. They are pref. electrically insulating and corrosion resistant, esp. polyphenylene sulphide, polystyrene, acrylonitrile, polystyrene or polysulphone.    Alternatively, or pref. additionally, the battery comprises (a') as (a), the vessel being right circular cylindrical with open ends each terminating in an ellipsoidal dome; (b') positive and negative terminals connected to opposite sides of the stack, on opposing domes, situated 5-85 deg. from the apex of the dome and aligned parallel to the cylindrical axis of the battery; (c') indentations and perforations in the dome, providing a flat surface contg. a single aperture accommodating each terminal; and (d') a reinforcing boss welded into each opening, having a cylindrical opening for accommodating the associated terminal.
A fuel cell comprises (A) a cell chamber enclosing a body of aq. electrolyte; (B) an inlet connected to (A); (C) a gas-permeable, ion-permeable tubular electrode formed of fine filamentary synthetic resin hollow fibre with ion exchange functionality situated within the chamber, the electrode (C) having a gas inlet end and a gas outlet end, a gas-permeable layer of catalytic metal deposited on the inside surface, and a high surface area first current collector in contact with the catalytic deposit; (D) a second current collector situated within the chamber so as to be immersed in the electrolyte, when present; (E) means for supplying a flow of gaseous oxidant to the gas inlet end; (F) a source of water-soluble electrochemically active liq. fuel; (G) means connecting the source (F) to the inlet (B) so that the liq. fuel and electrolyte form a liq. anode for oxidising the fuel at the second current collector so as to develop an electrochemical potential between the first and second current collectors, and (H) means connected to the first and second current collectors for extracting electrical energy from the cell.    Cell allows power to be generated using a liq. fuel feed which does not need the pressure tanks and associated equipment necessary when using fuel gases such as hydrogen.
Extender compsn. for the negative electrodes of a Pb accumulator comprises (in wt.%): BaSO4 22-76 and a sulphated oligo-polynaphthol (I) 24-78.    Use of (I) as sulpho-naphthol cpd. enhances PbSO4 absorption and increases its rate of dissolving.    Typically, an accumulator is constructed using a 50/50 compsn. of PbSO4 and (I) as negative electrode extender and the 10 min. discharge current is 1820 mA.    When the extender is a 50/50 mixt. of PbSO4 and a prior art sulpho-naphthol cpd. the 10 min. discharge current is 1230 mA.    Bul.8/28.2.83
Separator for fuel cells comprises a porous polytetrafluoroethylene film or a carbon powder-contg. porous polytetrafluoroethylene film secured to the oxidising agent gas supply side of a solid high molecular electrolyte film that comprises an ion exchange film on both surfaces of which are secured a metal of a Pt metal or a carbon powder-contg. metal of Pt metal. The ion exchange film is obtd. by graft polymerisation of a fluorovinyl sulphonic acid monomer on a high molecular substrate in the form of a film that is produced by polymerising one or more monomers (e.g. ethylene, propylene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, and vinyl fluoride, etc.) of formula (I); in which X and Y each represent H, CH3, Cl or F.    The fluorovinyl sulphonic acid monomer is pref.: CF2=CF-O-CF2-CF(CF3) -OCF2CF2-SO2F.    The separator for fuel cells comprises an inexpensive and durable ion exchange film, in which the catalytic activity is not lowered by water produced on the oxidising agent supplying side.
A device comprises cell units formed by laminating a transparent electrode, an amorphous silicon layer and ametal electrode successively on a common transparent substrate. Each two adjacent units are connected by an extension of the metal electrode of one which traverses an edge of the silicon layer to contact the exposed extension of the other unit.    The silicon layer under the extension extends beyond an edge of the transparent electrode by more than the amount that the silicon layer extends beyond the edge in areas not underlying the extension. The length of the silicon layer edge which projects beyond the transparent electrode ispref. substantially greater than the distance between the silicon layer edge and that of the transparent electrode in a main part of each unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents short-circuit failure occurring between metal and transparent electrodes where the metal electrode crosses the silicon layer. (First major country equivalent to J59198775-A)
Assembly is formed by two plates which are placed in abutment to form fluid passages and sealing regions preventing leakage from the passages. Before assembling, PTFE is applied in a spiral to the sealing regions of at least one and pref. both plates.    One plate may be flat and the other have channels, of both plates may have channels, and the PTFE is applied to regions bordering the outermost channels. The PTFE may be adhered to the plate, or may be applied as a flat strip which has one end secured and the other then rotated to form a spiral.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides much improved seal, the spiral shape adding resiliency to the PTFE so that it conforms better to surface irregularities.
Continuous film is made by (a) preparing a soln. of an alkoxide source of one metal, a chelate source of a second metal, and sufficient solvent to solubilise the metal sources; (b) adding 1-2 mole water/mole mixed oxide; (c) applying the soln. to a substrate surface, forming a coating; and (d) heating to at least 500 deg.C., evaporating the solvent and forming a mixed oxide film on the substrate.    Pref. mixed oxide has the general formula Ax By Oz; where A, B=metals; and x times valence A + y times valence B=2z. It is esp. ABO3; where A=bivalent metal, esp. Ba, Sr and/or Ca; B=tatravalent metal, esp. Ti, Zr and/or Hf. The mixed oxide esp. has a cubic perovskite structure. The chelate is a metal beta-diketonate, esp. a metal acetylacetonate. The solvent is dimethyl formamide. The substrate is Ti, Si or glass. One of the metals may be a dopant. Dopants are included in the soln. as 0.01-1 at. %, for n type dopant, esp. La and/or Nb.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for forming catalytic films on electrodes, e.g. SrTiO3 for photoelectrolysis of water, La-doped Nb oxide, Nb-doped Ti oxide. The electrode may also be useful as e.g. oxygen electrodes. Other applications are solar cells, transparent structures, and in forming solid electrolytes for fuel cells and oxygen concn. cells. The films are inexpensively prepd., homogeneous, prepd. at low temp., and can be produced in desired configurations.
A heat transfer assembly for removing heat from and cooling a fuel cell includes (a) at least one conformable conduit (90) carrying circulating heat transfer material through the assembly: and (b) at least one holder (41) holding the conduit adjacent the fuel cell, structured to conform (part of) the conduit in intimate contact with the holder when assembled.    An anticrimping internal support structure for a flexible conduit carrying heat transfer material, which is bent at certain areas into relatively small radii bends, is formed in a claimed method by (i) providing a length of tightly wrapped coil (70) support material; (ii) stretching the coil into an uncoiled condition (74) only at portions corresponding to unbent portions of the conduit; and (iii) inserting the support in the conduit, esp. by screwing. This structure is used in a pref. embodiment of the assembly.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure is easily mfd. and assembled, without undue tolerances and no requirement for coatings, conductive grease, etc. It provides max. heat transfer areas, is noncorrosive in a fuel cell environment, and avoids shunt currents.
In the prodn. of hydrogen gas by a catalytic reaction of methanol and water vapour, improvement comprises using catalysts having an activity at 250-300 deg.C, and heating the catalysts using a liq. heating medium. An example of the liquid heating medium is an eutectic mixture of diphenyl and diphenylether.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for producing hydrogen for fuel cells. The temp. difference between the inside and outside of a catalyst contg. tube can be minimised to be able to use poor thermoresistive catalysts.    In an example, methanol-water vapour (1-1.5 by mol.) at 252 deg.C is fed through a tube (40mm dia., 2m length) filled with 2 l catalyst at a rate of 11.8 kg/h to produce a gas having 24.7CO2,0.8CO, and 74.5H2O (all in vol.%) at 17.4 m2/h, while flowing the 252 deg.C eutectic mixt. at 100 l/h. The outlet temp. of the vapour is 257 deg.C..
Electrolyte comprises more than about 60 mol.% of stabilised Bi oxide and stabilised Zr oxide. Electrolyte is prepd. by (1) mixing powdery Bi oxide with 5-30 mol.% of powdery stabiliser, and forming mixt. into stabilised Bi oxide by burning, (2) mixing powdery Zr oxide with 5-30 mol.% of powdery stabiliser, and forming the mixt. into stabilised Zr oxide by burning, (3) pulverising the stabilised Bi oxide and the stabilised Zr oxide, and mixing thoroughly so that the mol. ratio may become more than 60 mol,% of the former and not more than 40 mol.% of the latter and (4) moulding and burning.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   It has high electroconductivity and low thermal expansion coefft. It is useful as the material of an oxygen sensor and as the constituent of a fuel cell.
Fuel cell ceramic tape (I) is made by admixing Li aluminate particles (under 1 micron) with an organic polymeric binder in a chlorinated hydrocarbon alcohol solvent (II), and then admixing Al2O3 particles (over 25 micron). Multiple coats of the admixut admixture are applied to a mould surface (pretreated with release agent, pref. beeswax), drying between coats, until the dried coating is 5-30 mil. thick. The (I) formed is then stripped from the surface.    Pref. (II) is perchloroethylene with BuOH or EtOH or mixts. Pref. fish oil is added with the Al2O3 and an antifoaming agent and a plasticiser are added with the binder. Generally, any polymer which decomposes at operating temps. can be used, partic. polyvinyl butyral.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is thin, flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. It thus conforms to irregularities of the electrode surfaces eliminating spaces and improving ion transfer.
Molten carbonate fuel cell has an anode and a cathode each having a bilayered structure comprising a first porous layer contacting electrolyte layer and a second porous layer of sintered fibrous material for supplying fuel or oxidant gas.    Pores in first layer permit capillary action of the molten carbonate; pores in second layer do not.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrodes have good strength and performance and cells can be operated at high output density over a long period and have low internal resistance.
Fuel cell comprises first and second electrodes a matrix for carrying electrolyte sandwiched between the electrodes, the matrix having a peripheral area, and first and second process gas plates sandwiching the matrix and the electrodes. Independent integral shim devices are provided adjacent the peripheral area of the matrix, the shim comprising silicon carbide in an amount of at least about 50% by weight.    USE -   Shim to provide gas and electrolyte leakproof seal in a fuel cell. Previous shims have been of kynol, which has large pores, or of teflon, which is dry, both being prone to electrolyte or gas leakage. New shim is tough and very resistant to leakage due to the uniform distribution of pores in the silicon carbides.
The fuel cell comprises (a) an anode chamber contg. a base anolyte soln. and an immersed metal fuel anode plate; (b) an ion exchange chamber contq. a base ionolyte soln.; (c) a cationic membrane between anode and ion exchange chambers having opposite surfaces wetted by anolyte and ionolyte; and (d) a cathodic plate adjacent the ion exchange chamber remote from the membrane, comprising a layered structure having a layer of hydrophilic material contacting and wetted by the ionolyte, a gas and liq. permeable inert collector having catalytic surfaces within the hydrophilic material, and a layer of gas permeable hydrophobic material contacting the cathode fuel gas.    The fuel cell also includes (e) and external circuit connecting anode and cathode plates; and pref. (f) a gas chamber adjacent the cathode plate.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell uses different electrolyte materials allowing a choice of anode and gas, with an easily replaced consumable anode. In pref. embodiments, electrolyte circulation is maintained by generated gases, and the cell operation is easily started and stopped.
A fuel cell electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant to generate electricity includes a monolithic core formed by an array of electrolyte walls (36) and interconnect walls (38), each comprising thin layers of anode and cathode material (30,32) sandwiching electrolyte and interconnect materials (37,39) respectively, and being free of any inert composite material. Separate sections of electrolyte walls are arranged between separate sections of adjacent interconnect walls to define core passageways (20,26). The passageways are alternately arranged with their inner faces formed of only anode or only cathode material for fuel and oxidant flow respectively. Conductors and terminals connect electrode materials to an external circuit. Manifolds and opt. gas feed tubes are provided to direct fuel and oxidant to the passageways.    ADVANTAGE -   The core is formed as a honeycomb structure without the use of inert support materials, increasing power density by up to 50 x that obtd. in a structure using support tubes.
A fuel cell for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant to generate electricity includes a core assembly having a central electrode region and spaced end manifold regions. The core comprises an array of electrolyte walls (30) and interconnect walls (28) each comprising cathode and anode materials respectively sandwiching electrolyte material or interconnect material. Separate sections of the elecrelectrolyte walls are arranged between separate sections of adjacent pairs of interconnect walls to define parallel core passages (13,14), alternately arranged with their inside faces formed at only anode or cathode materials, arranged for fuel and oxidant flow respectively. Manifold sections (18,19,20,21) directing fuel and oxidant for separate flow through the respective passageways are defined by an intermediate wall (32,33) extending from the electrolyte wall in the general direction of the passageway, spaced about halfway between adjacent pairs of interconnect walls to define separate end chambers open to the appropriate passageways. Ducts (24,25) are provided for gas flow, and terminals for external connection to electrodes.    ADVANTAGES -   The structure improves manifolding, and allows cell passageways to be made very small, for increased power density.
A fuel cell electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant to generate electricity includes a core assembly having an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls (45,48). Each wall consists of thin layers of cathode and anode materials (42,40) sandwiching electrolyte material (44) or interconnect material (47). The interconnect and electrolyte walls are spaced apart and alternately arranged with layers of like electrode materials facing each other. Spaced webs (72) of anode and cathode materials extend across the spaces between the walls to define core passageways (13,14) having their inner faces formed entirely of anode or of cathode material, for fuel and oxidant flow respectively. Manifolds are provided to direct fuel and oxidant flow through the respective passageways. Terminals connect anode and cathode materials to an external circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure provides small passageways for high power density operation. A pref. cross flow design provides simple and reliable manifolding.
n-Type semiconductor electrode (CdS, CdSe, or MoS2 electrode etc.) and a facing electrode (Pt, Ni or C electrode etc.) are provided in a soln. contg. organic material (alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids etc.) having current doubling effect. Light is irradiated on the surface on the surface of the n-type semiconductor electrode to oxidise and react the organic material. H2 is produced at the facing electrode by oxygen redn. or water decomposition. In this way, electric output and/or H2 is obtd. by the photo-fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The n-type semiconductor electrode is used as a negative electrode. Output characteristics are improved by irradiating light on the n-type semiconductor electrode. The organic material can now be used as fuel.
A tungsten and/or molybdenum carbide is kept contact with an alkali soln.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides more active non-platinum system electrode catalyst and is suitable for fuel cell, esp. methanol fuel cell. This method increases catalytic activity as follows.(1) When the tungsten molybdenum carbide is treated with the alkali soln., methanol oxidn. activity is approx. double. (2) en oxidn. treatment, boiling the carbide with the alkali soln. while blowing oxygen into the soln., is applied at the same time, the activity is increased approx. three times. (3) When tungsten molybdenum carbide which contains non-carbonised tungsten molybdenum dioxide is treated with the alkali soln., methanol oxidn. activity increases approx. ten to twenty times.
Only the oxygen is utilised and at the same time the hydrogen is stored in an accumulator or hydrogen storage alloy. Hydrogen and air are supplied to the electrochemical appts., which is operated as a hydrogen/air fuel cell to consume the hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogen is completely consumed in the hydrogen/air fuel cell. The water obtd. by operating the fuel cell can be used as a water source for the water electrolysis appts. Electric power can be obtd. by using the fuel cell. Appts. is light weight and occupies a small space.
The hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis is supplied to a hydrogen/air fuel cell and at the same time the fuel cell is operated to consume the hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method combines use of water electrolysis appts. and hydrogen/air fuel cell. Hydrogen is completely consumed in the fuel cell and the water obtd. by operating the fuel cell can be utilised as a water source for the water electrolysis appts. Electric powder can be obtd. by operating the hydrogen air fuel cell, leading to effective use of the power. For example, the hydrogen generated from the water electrolysis appts. which has been operated for one hour is consumed in 25 hours in the fuel cell.
Electrochemical cell contains an electrolyte consisting of (1) water; (2) halogen, other than fluorine; (3) soluble halide salt, other than a fluoride, not oxidised by (2); and (4) at least one stable, satd. 2-5C (di)nitrile. Component (3) is a mixt. of inorganic and organic (i.e. quat. nitrogen) halides. The electrolyte consists of 2 phases; (A) a halogen-and nitrile-rich phase contg. most of the organic halide and (B) an aq. phase contg. most of the inorganic halide. The cell includes an inert electrode in (A) and a halogen-oxidisable electrode in (B).    ADVANTAGE -   Addn. of the organic halide improves the coulombic efficiency and discharge characteristics of the cell.
An assembly for distributing reactant materials in a fuel cell comprising two adjacent electrically conductive plate members forming an interface between each other where they contact each other, at least one of the plates being made of a porous material suitable for distributing reactant material from a surface of it other than the surface forming the interface with the other plate, the two plates being bonded together at their interface with a sealant material in the pores of the first plate in the region of the interface so that the two plates maintain electrical contact with each other whilst preventing the reactant material from passing from the first plate to the other plate through the interface.    ADVANTAGE -   The porous gas distribution assembly is easily made by a simple hot pressing technique; the bipolar assemblies can be combined into stacked assemblies for use in fuel cells; the resulting fuel cells have high reliability.
The article, prepd. by conversion to C or carbonising, consists of C-contg. material contg. 5-50 wt% graphite, balance glassy C. The article is formed by converting a thermosetting resin to C by heating.    Pref. the compsn. of the carbonised articles is adjusted so that they have (a) density y equal to at least (0.004.x) + 1.235, where x = wt. ratio (%) of graphite/the C-contg. material of the articles, and (b) gas-permeability below 10 power minus 4 ml/min. sq. cm. atmos. per thickness unit, in mm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are useful as sepg. foils in phosphate fuel cells. A dense C-contg. structure is obtd. without cracking. Compressive strength, flexural strength and electrical conductivity are improved as well as impermeability for gases and liqs.
Molten carbonate fuel cell having anode (12), cathode (14) and electrolyte has the electrolyte formed with two tile sections (16,18). The section adjacent the anode is gas impervious, limiting leakage of fuel gas into the electrolyte. The section adjacent the cathode has pores sized to permit the presence of O2 gas in the electrolyte, limiting the formation of metal deposits by redn. of metal components migrating into the electrolyte from the cathode.    The cathode contains a transition metal, of Ni, Mn, Fe, Sn or Co; esp. porous Ni based compsn., e.g. lithiated NiO. The cathode contains small pores retaining molten carbonate electrolyte and larger pores providing O2 and CO2 access. The tiles are of stable insulating material, e.g. LiAlO2, SrTiO3, MgO.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell provides high performance at elevated pressure, allowing use of pref. transition metal contg. cathodes with degradation by metal deposition minimised.
Fuel cell electrolyte matrix is made by: providing fuel and oxidising electrodes coated with a catalyst layer on one side; forming a powder layer of electrolyte resistive material (I) on one or both catalyst layers; interposing an electrolyte paste layer of acid electrolyte mixed with (I); and pressing the assembly together.    Pref. the electrolyte is H3PO4 or a polymer of trifluormethane sulphonic acid; and (I) is one or more of SiC, WC, Si3N4, ZrO2, Ta2O5, and Zr and Si phosphate.    Fuel cell electrolyte matrix, formed as above, in which the amt. of electrolyte per unit wt. of particles is greater in the outer powder layers than in the inner paste layer, pref. 1-2X greater is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Matrix permits high impregnation of electrolyte without reducing its bubble pressure and retaining high H ion conductivity; matrix is also easy to mfr.
(JP92011984-B)      Covering film on gas separator plate for fuel cell comprises masking the plate, except grooves cut into the surface of the plate, which form reactive gas flow passages and entering the F gas into the grooves to form a graphite fluoride film.    USE -   For laminate type fuel cells. (J59146168-A)
The prod. has porosity 40-60% and desired dia. of pores. It is produced by mixing carbon powder, a binder, e.g. synthetic resin, petroleum pitch, coal pitch etc., and a metal salt e.g. NaCl, KCl etc., shaping the mixt., and immersing the shaped prod. in a liq. that only dissolves the metal salt, e.g. H2O etc., to leach-out the metal salt and to form pores. The shaped prod. may be immersed in H2O after carbonisation. In place of the carbon powder, carbon fibres and graphite etc., may be used.    Amt. of metal salt added and its grain size are previously adjusted to obtain a prod. having desired porosity and pore dia..    USE -   The prod. is e.g. suitable for use as an electrode in a fuel cell, filter medium, catalyst carrier, etc.
The electrode base is composed of carbon fibre having continuous pores, 40-85% porosity, at least 80 kg/sq.cm bending strength, 100-1000 ml/sq.cm.hr.mm.Aq gas permeability, below 5 x 10 power minus 2 ohm.cm.vol. specific resistance and 5-30 micron fine pores (at least 70%).    ADVANTAGE -   Mechanical strength and electroconductivity are improved.    In an example, 30-40wt.% pitch type carbon fibre (12-16 microns dia., 0.1-0.6 mm long), 30-35wt.% binder (phenol resin particles not more than 100 microns dia.), 25-40wt.% organic particles (PVA, at least 70wt.% particles 30-300 microns) were uniformly mixed in a blade blender. The mixt. was press-moulded at 75 kg/sq.cm, and 130 deg.C for 5 mins. into 3 mm thick sheet. The sheet was heated at 150 deg.C under 0.5 kg/sq.cm for 6 hrs. and the binder resin was hardened. The sheet was put between a graphite plate, which was baked at 2000 deg.C in inert gas for 1 hr.    Obtd. electrode base had porosity 60-70 vol.%,bending strength 130-195 kg/sq.cm, gas permeability 130-980 ml/sq.cm.hr.mm.Aq and specific resistance 2.1 - 3.5 x 10 power minus 2 ohm.cm.
The membrane impermeable to hydraulic flow of liquid comprises first and second layers of fluorinated polymers with functional gps. of formula -CFZ-COOM and -CFQ-SO3M (II), respectively. In the formulae, M = H, Na, K or NH4; Z = F, CF3 or CF2Cl; and Q = F, Cl, 1-10C perfluoroalkyl or CF2Cl. The layers adhere to each other.    The improvement is that the membrane has a hydrogen bubble release layer at the outer surface of the first layer, has voids at the outer surface of the second layer characterised by a void volume of 5-40 (8-20) % and an open area of 15-100 (50-90) % and has reinforcement strands partially or completely embedded in the layer. The polymer with -CFZ-COOM gps. has an equiv. wt. of 600-1500, pref. 770-1250 and the polymer with -CFQ-SO3M gps. has an equiv. wt. of 600-1500(900-1400).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Claimed cell is a chloralkali cell operating at low voltage and high current efficiency and thus at a low power consumption. The membrane may also be used for the electrolysis of KCl, org. cpds. and water to form hydrogen and oxygen. Other applications include fuel cells.
Fuel cell is dielectrically isolated from external manifolds by (a) providing an impermeable ceramic structure (52) between the fuel cell and manifolds; and (b) disposing a porous ceramic gasket (56) between and contiguous with the fuel cell and ceramic; and pref. (c) disposing a second porous ceramic gasket (54) between and contiguous with the ceramic and each manifold.    A fuel cell electrical power generation appts. comprises (i) a fuel cell or fuel cell stack (40), (ii) external manifolds (42,44,60,60') for conveying oxygen-rich gas and fuel to the cell and spent prods. from the cell; and (iii) a manifold barrier (50) providing dielectric isolation, as above, with gaskets pref. but not essentially ceramic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Isolation structure is esp. useful for molten carbonate electrolyte fuel cell systems, also for hot phosphoric acid electrolyte. The ceramic prevents formation of a shunt current path between fuel cell (stack) and manifolds, with its thickness tailored to operating potential.
Separator comprises glassy carbon of thickness 0.1-1.0 mm, specific resistance of less than 0.01 cm., and the gas transmissivity of less than 1.0 x 10 power minus 5 cu.cm./sec. (H2 gas).    ADVANTAGE -   This glassy carbon separator has less thickness, low electric resistance and sufficient strength capable of handling. Since the separator is carbon product, it can resist corrosion.    Prepn. consists of adding hardener to furan resin, if necessary, ultrafine carbon black and the mixt. is evacuated under vacuum to remove reaction water and low molecular components. The reaction product so obtd. is applied in a given thickness on the surface of a substrate prepd. by applying release agent on a gypsum or PVC plate by spraying a high viscosity soln. or brushing and hardened at room temp. The hardened material, after removing the substrate is inserted between graphite plates, and calcined.
A solid electrolyte for fuel cells and other electrochemical devices comprises a structure contg. small pore-like passages and providing O-ion transfer by multiple internally exposed surfaces of a compsn. contg. an oxide of a multivalent transition metal. A fuel cell or electrochemical device comprises the electrolyte associated with O-rich and O-deficient electrodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte may be used in fuel cells or oxygen sensors for automatic carburetaion and emission control in internal combustion engines, for industrial combustion control, or for electrolytic pumps regulating or regenerating the oxygen content of a controlled atmos..
In fuel cells using phosphoric acid as an electrolyte and a platinum catalyst as a reaction accelerator, waste matter is heated at above 200 deg.C to condensation react the phosphoric acid with platinum. The platinum cpd. formed is removed from the aq. soln.    By heating the waste matter, phosphoric acid is condensed into pyro-, metha- and poly-phosphoric acids and diffused into a carbon fibre substrate. Platinum supported with the carbon fibre substrate is reacted with the condensed phosphoric acids, to form a stable platinum cpd. soluble in an aq. soln.    ADVANTAGE -   The platinum source is recovered from the waste matter in a simplified method.
The fuel cell comprises (a) a porous cathode of electronically conductive In203-RexOy-Hf02/ZrO2 ceramic (where RExOy is rare earth oxide, e.g. PrO2); (b) an anode of the same ceramic or of metal; and (c) a solid electrolyte of ionically conductive, oxide-stabilised ZrO2 of HfO2 ceramic between the electrodes; where the electrolyte and at least the cathode, pref. also the anode, are fabricated as and intimately bonded into integral unit.    ADVANTAGES -   The fuel cell operates at high temp. with electrolyte and electrodes remaining stable, and may be used with a wide variety of fuels without requiring a catalytic surface.
The fuel cell has two noncatalytic electrodes electrically contacting a solid, stabilised, fluorite-structured metal oxide electrolyte. It is operated by (a) contacting a porous anode with a fuel capable of being oxidised and a porous cathode with oxygen at below 1000 deg.C. (pref. 700-800 deg.C.); and (b) drawing electrical current from the electrodes. The fuel may be incompletely oxidised in the cell to produce a useful prod., which is isolated.    USE -   The fuel cells may be connected together to provide voltages of 110V. Useful prods. may be obtained, e.g. formaldehyde or formic acid from methanol fuel. The fuel cell operates at high current efficiency, and at moderate temps. so the nature of materials is not critical, and expensive, short-life catalysts are not needed. /3
Electrodes consisting of an active layer (I) laminated on its working surface to a current distributor and on its opposite surface to a porous, coherent, hydrophobic, wet proofing layer, (I) comprises 60-85 wt.% active carbon particles, pore dia. 10-1,000 Angstroms, bound in a matrix of a fibrillated mixt. of 55-87 pph fluorocarbon polymer and 13-45 pph carbon black, the black having particle size 50-3,000 Angstroms, surface area 2=.1500 sq. m./g.    Pref. the active carbon and/or the carbon black may be catalysed: the catalyst is esp. silver. The active carbon is graphitised and/or hydrophilic; and the carbon black is hydrophobic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Gas electrodes useful in chloralkali cells. They withstand high stress conditions, and partic. resist flooding, and the balance of hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties between the carbon black and activated carbon optimises flow requirements. /0
Fuel cell, comprising a pair of electrodes with electrolyte between them in a chamber adapted for gas supply to the electrodes, has (a) a negative electrode having an Au substrate; carrying an underpotential layer of predetermined metal serving as catalyst for redn.-oxidn. reactions of O2 and fuel; and (b) an electrolyte contg. ions of the predetermined metal.    The catalyst metal comprises a monolayer, varying from continuous to discontinuous as a function of operation, with catalyst metal ats. entering and leaving soln. during operation to provide a self cleaning catalyst layer, with organic or cation impurities prevented from depositing on the monolayer.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalysts provide efficient, long life operation and are refurbishable in situ, provide high surface area and may be selected to be nonpoisoning. Power and efficiency are increased for a given fuel. The catalytic metal is Ag, Pt, Pd, Ir or Rh. Less noble metals, including Tl, Pb and Bi may be used, when these are non-poisoning in the system. The electrolyte is alkaline, having pH greater than 7, e.g. 1-15M NaOH or KOH. The fuel is methanol, formic acid, formaldehyde or H2. /5
Cell comprises gas spaces , that are disposed on both sides of the gas electrode . The upstream space is connected to the reaction gas supply, with the downstream space having connections for the discharge of spent reaction gas from the gas electrode.    The cell can effect electrochemical conversion of a gaseous reactant in prim. and sec. iron/air and zinc/air batteries, for fuel cells for hydrogen/air and methanol/air, electrochemical oxygen generators, cells for electrolysis of solutions of alkali metal halogenides etc.    The arrangement allows a considerably higher power density, based on the electrode area. Weight and volume are reduced considerably by the integration of the gas and electrolyte chambers. Electrode performance is improved, due to selective transport of oxygen through the electrode which concentrates the oxygen in the active areas.
The cracking reactor enables a vehicle to be driven by fuel cells and is designed for rapid starting when the vehicle has not been used for some time e.g. overnight. A combined system of direct and indirect heating is used for heating up the cracking catalyser. Liquid methanol is burnt with a reduced or stoichiometric proportion of air in the combustion chamber of the reactor. The resulting gas flow is used for heat exchange with the cracking chamber, so that a catalyser is indirectly heated.    The combustion gases are then returned through the catalyser bed to directly heat the catalyst pellets. When the reactor has reached the operating temperature, combustion of the methanol stops and a hot gas valve operates to discharge the combustion gases from the system. Methanol can then be supplied directly to the reactor. The burner can then be operated by excess gases from the fuel cells.
A fuel cell energy system for electric vehicles, includes a stack of fuel cells which receive fuel from a catalyst reactor to crack a hydrocarbon (methanol), and a CO conversion reactor. In normal operation a part of the energy is used in an electrolytic reactor for the electrolysis of water. For peak requirements, pure oxygen and hydrogen are passed from the storage tanks to cathode and anode instead of air and reformed methanol.    The fuel cell stack can be kept small enough to cover the normal operation. Any several times greater peak demand is covered by oxygen (oxidant) and hydrogen (fuel).
Fuel cell comprises (a) a solid electrolyte sepg. anode and cathode; (b) a reforming catalyst supported by the anode surface opposite the electrolyte; (c) two housings defining a first chamber about the anode and reforming catalyst and a second chamber about the cathode; and (d) inlets for hydrocarbon fuel to the first chamber and oxidant to the second.    The cell is operated by (i) providing the cell as above, where anode and cathode contain catalysts and the reforming catalyst is spinel contg. active Ni; (ii) providing oxidant to the cathode; (iii) providing hydrocarbon fuel and steam to the reforming catalyst to form H2 gas adjacent the catalyst; and (iv) periodically substituting an oxidant for the fuel at the reforming catalyst to oxidise (part of) any elemental Ni formed on the spinel and allow oxidised Ni to enter the porous spinel structure; then exposing to H2 gas to regenerate the elemental Ni.    Hydrocarbon fuel is directly supplied to the cell without prior reforming; the reforming catalyst uses heat generated by the anode; the structure is compact, reducing space requirement and improving heat transfer; and the reforming catalyst is regenerated in situ.
Prepn. of metallised C catalysts, in which substantial amts. of zero-valent active metal (Fe, Co, Cr, Wo, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Rh, Ru, Os, Ir, Ni, Cu, but esp. Pd, Pt, Mo or Ag) in small cluster form on the surface of the C, comprises (i) vaporising the metal in the vicinity of an (in)organic liq. solvent (many are given), (ii) dissolving the metal as a labile solvated zero-valent complex in the solvent which is then contacted with particulate C to cause metal deposition; and finally (iii) removing liq. from the C.    All the operations may be carried out at from room temp. down to the freezing pt. of the solvent. The metal may be vapourised at low pressure near a thin moving film of the solvent which may contain a slurry of C.    Specifically claimed are Ag with a slurry in THF and Pd with toluene slurry. Alternatively Ag may be vapourised in a rotating vessel contg. the THF slurry as a thin film on its wall.    Used for prepn. of O-electrodes in fuel cells as well as for general catalytic use.
Mfr. includes carrying on the surface of each carbon particle Pt colloidal particles, dispersing them in a liq. or floating them in a gas and contacting with ozone.    The operation conditions are simple c.f. the method wherein a metal oxide is carried by carbon particles, heated at elevated temps. so that part of the surface of each particle is burnt, in this method since the particles can be treated at low temps. so that the fine Pt colloidal particles on the carbon particles are not moved unnecessarily, recesses can be formed effectively in the carbon particles surface. Under relatively severe conditions, wherein the catalyst contacts with liq. phosphoric acid, the H2 or O2 at 100 deg.C or over, the Pt colloidal particles can be prevented from agglomerating, so that the performance of the fuel cell can be stabilised.
An electrode comprises (a) a hydrophilic layer, having a metal current collector contacting a composite of 1 pt. wt. C particles, at least 50 wt% of which have surface area 30-300 m2/g; 0.2-1 pt. wt. stainless steel particles, pref. particle size 25-micron; an effective amt. nonwetting bonding agent, pref. including PTFE; and an effective amt. catalyst for decomposing perhydroxides; and (b) a hydrophobic layer pressed to the hydrophilic layer. The catalyst is pref. Ag, and metal sulphide is pref. included in the composite as Ag protective additive.    A metal air cell has a metal electrode of Fe, Zn, Al or Cd spaced from at least one air electrode as above, and an alkali hydroxide electrolyte contacting the electrodes. A fuel cell comprises a fuel electrode spaced from an oxidant electrode as above, with alkali hydroxide electrolyte contacting the electrodes. A fuel cell comprises a fuel electrode spaced from an oxidant electrode as above, with alkali hydroxide electrolyte contacting the electrodes.    The electrode is lightweight, free from flooding, no more expensive than conventional electrodes; gives stable operation for over 500 cycles; and has low charge potential, e.g. 525-585 mV versus Hg/HgO on third cycle charging.
Cell has graphite cell frame around the electrodes and has a layer of pyrographite on the frame, at least on the side towards the electrode, at the Br2 electrode and pref. also the H2 electrode. Pref. pyrographite layer is 20-30 microns thick. The Br2 electrode consists of carbon (graphite) and the H2 electrode of Pt-plated carbon.    Useful for storing energy, e.g. from regenerative sources (sun and wind). The Br2 electrode has high reversibility. The graphite frame is cheap but its porosity allows Br2 to diffuse out after a short operating period. The pyrographite layer completely prevents diffusion of Br2 and also HBr.
A mixed soln. of fuel and electrolytic soln. is circulated into a cell body to supply fuel, or electrolytic soln. or- the mixed soln. remains in the fuel chamber and only fuel is supplied into a fuel chamber. The surface of porous fuel filter is treated with PTFE and adhered to a support. Specifically nickel body of porosity 20-90% is first impregnated with water to organic solvent. Over spray the surface of the porous nickel body is sprayed a dispersion of PTFE. The body so treated, after drive is calcined at 200-320 deg.C and adhered to a support. The process prevents clogging of fuel path caused with by adhesives.
The thin plate has bulk density 1.55-1.75 g/cc, specific resistance 100-400. 10 power minus 5 ohm, bending strength 300-400 kg/sq.cm, Young's modulus 1500-1900 kg/sq.mm, and air permeability 10 power minus 5 to 10 power minus 3 cc/sec.    The plate is prepd. by adding a thermoplastic (e.g. phenolic) resin in the liq. state to finely divided graphite powder having particle size 100 microns or less that has been previously heat-treated at 2,700 deg. C or above, kneading the mixt. into a paste, moulding the paste into a thin plate, setting the plate and then heating it to carbonise the resin.    The plate can be used as an electrode and a separator for fuel cells and can be industrially and economically produced.
Battery comprises a series of fuel cells of the parent patent each including catholyte and anolyte feeds and lines conducting anolyte between anode compartments, the lines contg. ion filters to stop the movement of ions between the anode compartments.    The battery also pref. includes a catholyte regeneration system comprising an absorption tower in which spent catholyte is regenerated by oxidn. with air. The catholyte fuel is pref. HNO3 which is reduced by the fuel cell reaction and then re-oxidised with atmos. O2 in the regeneration system.    Parent patent 82-90316E/42 US4352864 claims the fuel cell.
A bypass is branched out of the line on the downstream side of the gas analyser and joins the discharge line of the fuel cell. Switching of stream line between the line connecting the transformer with the fuel cell and the bypass is carried out by a valve which undergoes make and break due to signals from the gas analyser.    (I) is designed to automatically break the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell when the concn. of catalyst poison in the electrode catalyst of the fuel cell (e.g. CO) increases.
Appts. (I) contains an air supply for the combustion system equipped with (1) a heater to heat air supply; (2) a bias system for the heater; (3) a control valve provided in at least one system of the heater system and the bias system of the heater; (4) temp. detector to detect temp. of the reforming device. A calculator calculates a deviation between a signal from the temp. detector and a target signal of the temp. in the reforming device. A controller to regulate the control valve depending on output from the calculator.    (I) is used to generate electricity by converting chemical reaction energy of fuel to electric energy.
System includes a reformer for reforming a fuel gas to produce a hydrogen-rich gas, a reformer burner for supplying heat to the reformer, a shift converter for converting carbon monoxide present in hydrogen-rich gas to carbon dioxide. The fuel cell receives a supply of an oxidising agent gas containing oxygen and the hydrogen-rich gas after the carbon monoxide conversion to obtain power generation. There is a system for supplying the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the cell to the reformer burner, and a system for supplying air to the reformer burner.    The fuel cell power generation system is provided with a flow control valve for supplying air to the reformer burner, and a temp. monitor is provided in the reformer. Means are provided to compute the deviation of the signal of the aimed value of the internal temp. of the reformer from a signal from the temp. monitor, and an adjuster receives the output from the calculation unit to adjust the flow control valve. The internal temp. of the reformer can be controlled by controlling the flow rate of air supplied to the reformer burner.    If the load is drastically decreased, deterioration of the catalyst in the reformer, or a reaction tube is avoided.
Membrane used in hydrogen-oxygen type fuel cell, a metal-air type cell, or oxygen sensor, is obtd. by forming a water-repellent layer on a porous film having minute pores of below 0.1 microns pore size, and forming a thin layer consisting of rutile crystal structure type metal oxide on the water-repellent layer.    The water-repellent layer has 0.01-1.0 microns thickness, and consists of PTFE, fluoroethylene propylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene oxide, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a copolymer. The metal oxide is SnO2, TiO2, VO2, MoO2, WO2, RuO2, NbO2, CrO2, alpha-ReO2, OsO2, RhO2, IrO2, PtO2, or a mixt. The porous film consists of polycarbonate, cellulose ester or polypropylene.
Membrane is obtd. by forming a water-repellent layer on a porous film having minute pores of below 0.01-1.0 micron pore size, and forming a thin layer consisting of oxygen adsorbing metal oxide on the water-repellent layer. The water-repellent layer has 0.01-0.1 micron thickness, and consists of an organo-fluorine cpd. such as PTFE, fluoroethylene propylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulphide, polyethylene and/or polypropylene. The metal oxide is SnO2, ZnO, Cu2O, MnO, NiO and/or Co3O4. The porous film consists of polycarbonate, cellulose ester, or polypropylene.    Oxygen gas selective permeable membrane is used in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, a metal-oxygen cell, or an oxygen sensor.
Method comprises (1) kneading (a) 100 pts. wt. carbonaceous powder of mesh size at most 100 with (b) 12-30 pts. wt. mixed resin contg. vinylphenol polymer and phenol resin initial condensate having epoxy group, (2) moulding mixt. by heat-pressure moulding into plate, (3) preliminarily heating at up to 200 deg.C., and (4) hardening by heating at 220-270 deg.C.    Chemical resistance, heat resistance, gas impermeability, etc. are improved.    In an example, 40 pts. wt. paravinylphenol polymer, and novolak type phenol resin initial condensate having epoxy group were dissolved in acetone. The resin solution (20 pts. wt.) was added to graphite powder (100 pts. wt.), which was kneaded at 90 deg.C. under 0.5 kg/cm2 for 2 hrs. The kneaded mixture was dried, filtered up to 80 mesh and moulded into plate. The plate was sliced into 8.0 mm. thickness, heated at 180 deg.C. for 24 hrs. and hardened at 250 deg.C.
Electrolytic cell comprises alternating anode and cathodes separated by a PTFE microporous separator (3) into anolyte and catholyte compartments. The separator (3) is formed by heat sealing many separated panels erasing anodes as cathodes and is fastened to the cell structure by a flange. The separator panels are separated by breaking the heat seals to remove only deflective or damaged panels. Replacement panels are installed by joining them to the edges of the broken heat seals. Panels are fixed together by a PTFE sealant strip between the panel joints and sealed by heat and pressure.    Cells are chlor-alkali cells and the seals formed are long-loading and leak-free in the chlor-alkali process.
System using a fused carbonate as the electrolyte has the stack of cells and their distributor plate enclosed in a pressure vessel which is connected to an inert gas source. The pressure of this gas is higher than the pressure of the fuel cell reaction gases supplied to the distributor. The seals of the distributor plates are not gastight (e.g. ceramic fibres) so that inert gas will leak through them into the stack.    Risk of leakage of reaction gases from the fuel cell stack, which would lead to combustible mixt. in the pressure vessel and to lower efficiencies is eliminated.
Each cell has a single consumable anode (20) in a fixed position and two cathodes (24) furged towards opposite faces of the anode at a constant, uniform force. The cathodes are automatically retractable, so the consumed anode remains can be removed from the housing and a new anode inserted between the cathodes.    More specifically, the cathodes are urged away from the anode by tension springs (40) to allow removal. Expandable bladders (42) are provided between a cathode and end wall of the housing, or between a pair of cathodes of adjacent unit cells, which may be inflated by an air supply or similar to urge the cathodes against the anode after anode replacement, for cell operation.    The anodes may be rapidly replaced when consumed, with use of one anode to two cathodes halving the number of anodes to be replaced, hence reducing time, and rapid cathode disengagement.
Cathode exhaust gas contg. H3PO4 and H2O is cooled in a heat exchanger to a preselected temp. between the condensation temps. of these components. The cooled gas is passed through an array of vertical plates to remove condensed droplets of H3PO4; inter-plate spacing is 0.5-6.35mm. Plates are wetted by, and resistant to, H3PO4; they have open porosity of 50-80%, with mean pore size of 12.7-127 micrometres.    Construction and operating conditions are selected to maximise contact between condensed acid in the gas stream and plate surface. Acid coalesces in the pores and moves under gravity through the pore system and exits from the bottom edge.    The spacing between the plates provides max. contact with the gas but with virtually no pressure drop, unlike systems with packed beds. Corrosive H3PO4 is removed from the gas stream and can be returned to the fuel cell.
Porphyrins of formula (I) and their metal coordination complexes are novel. Pref the metal ion is of iron. An example of (I) is 5,10,15,20-tetra(alpha,alpha,alpha,alpha-D-(3-carbomethoxy propionamido phenyl)) porphyrins.    Porphyrin and its metal complexes are useful as catalysts for energy conversion in fuel cells, for prodn. of hydrogen from water for autooxidation of organic cpd., as absorbents of nitrogen oxide, pharmaceuticals, such as carcinostatics, reagents for analysis of metal, absorption-desorption agents for oxygen.
The reformer is operated so that the first section mainly bears a rapidly changing load at starting, stopping, etc., while the second section mainly bears a base load. Pref. a branch is provided for introducing part of the produced gas in the first section into the second for activating the latter.    A short time required for starting or stopping the reformer. The reformer is resistant to rapid changes or fluctuations.
The reactor comprises concentric inner and outer cylinders with an inlet and outlet provided at one end of the reactor. A catalyst is packed in a space defined by the inner and outer cylinders, and a radiation element having high surface area. A fluid reactant is introduced into the catalyst from the inlet, reversed at the other end of the reactor to be introduced into the inner cylinder, passed through the radiation element and discharged from the outlet.    The mid-portion of the inner cylinder is pref. narrow than the rest.    Heat is transferred to the catalyst through radiation. This reactor is applicable as hydrogen-producing reformer for use in fuel cell.
The cathode is prepd. by contacting a porous plaque of sintered NiO particles; with an Li salt for long enough to lithiate the NiO and enhance its electronic conductivity. The plaque may be prepd. (i) by oxidising a sintered porous plaque of Ni metal, pref. in O2-contg. gas at less than 1000 deg.C.; or (ii) compacting and sintering finely divided NiO particles to provide a desired pore structure, pref. with sintering at 1000 deg.C. for 1 hr. The plaque may be lithiated in a fuel cell using (halide-free) Li salt-contg. electrolyte, or before assembly in the fuel cell.    The plaques are prepd. and sintered to provide optimum strength and porosity, without regard to Li content as occurs when plaques are prepd. from lithiated Ni oxide. Excessive swelling on oxidn. and/or lithiation within a fuel cell is avoided. They may be prepd. from less expensive NiO rather than Ni metal particles.
The reaction furnace comprises: a number of reaction tubes (2) arranged in a plane in the furnace body (1) and each having two fins (3) arranged parallel to the inside wall of the body; heating elements (4) of a perforated ceramic board arranged on both sides of the reaction tubes and having a combustion catalyst supported on the surface; and combustible mixt. chambers (5) formed between the ceramic boards and the inside walls of the furnace body.    A reaction gas is supplied into the reaction tube through a header (7). Fuel gas and combustion air are supplied to the combustible mixt. chambers, and the combustible mixt. burns in contact with the catalyst supported by the heating elements to heat them.
The host matrix comprises at least one transition metal, incorporating an element(s) which modifies the local structural chemical environments of the material to provide the disorder, and creates an increased density of catalytically active sites for the O2 redn. reaction.    The material pref. includes a number of elements providing the large number of catalytically active sites; and/or sites for selectively inactivating poisonous species. The hose matrix pref. includes Co, Mn and/or Ni, and the modifier element is pref. Co, Mn, Ni, La, C, K, Cs, Na, Li, O, Al (e.g. compsn. Mn77.5Co14. 2Ni8.3; Co67.1La13.6C3.9015.4).    A fuel cell comprises a cathode(s) as above; an anode capable of H2 oxidn. spaced from the cathode; and an electrolyte contacting anode and cathode; all contained in a casing.    The cathodes are inexpensive, resistant to poisoning, have long operating life and provide performance approaching that of expensive degradeable Pt.
A stack of superposed fuel cells is provided between two support end plates (12,13) and resilient members (18,18') engage the end plates to impose a force urging them towards each other, thus holding the fuel cells together under a predetermined compressive loading. The resilient members are located between the planes of the end plates, so their height is not greater than the combined height of cell stack and end plates. The resilient members pref. include stops to adjust the force imposed on the end plates. Each fuel cell pref. comprises an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte between them.    Good contact is maintained in the stack, even when cells compress during use. The height and weight of the stack are less than conventional stack arrangements.
The fuel electrode and oxidiser electrode of a fuel cell utilizing electrochemical reaction to provide electrical energy are separated by an organic high molecular weight electrolyte that will dissociate in the presence of water. Typically at least part of the fuel or oxidizer component of the cell is liquid (and pref. contains water) when the cell is operating. Pref. the electrolyte is a high mol.wt. polymer, e.g. polystyrene, polyethylene, methacrylate polymers, or styrene/butadiene and styrene/divinylbenzene copolymers, substd. by strong acid e.g. sulphonic acid gps., or basic e.g. amino or quaternary ammonium gps. such as -CH2N(CH3)3Cl or -CH2N(CH2CH2OH)(CH3)2Cl, and contains water in which it is partly dissolved; typically it is in the form of a paste contg. water and an inactive thickening agent, e.g. an inorganic powder having a high specific resistance.    Leakage of the electrolyte from the electrolyte chamber is prevented so that an electrical short-circuit between anode and cathode can be avoided. The cell does not employ the highly corrosive electrolytes typifying the prior art.
Solar cell is formed by depositing Si3N4 on a polySi wafer by plasma CVD at a polySi temp. of 350-500 deg.C to form an antireflection coating; etching portions of the Si3N4 to form electrode contact areas; and adding electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Coating the Si3N4 at such a high temp. results in a cell of conversion efficiency of above 11.5% (claimed). (First major country equivalent to J58220477-A)
Refractory is prepd. by blending 0.5-10 wt.% Al-Mg alloy powder contg. not less than 5 wt.% Mg with the raw material of firebrick consisting of 3-70 wt.% carbon and 30-97 wt.% MgO. Pref. Mg in Mg-Al alloy has higher vapour pressure than that of Al or Si, and is diffused through the whole refractory body at a comparatively low temp. of 800-1200 deg. C, and the structure of the refractory body is strengthened and its durability greatly improved.    Refractory is useful for various steel making furnaces (e.g., converter, electric arc furnace, vacuum degassing furnace, ladle). It has a remarkably prolonged life compared with that of conventional magnesia-carbon refractory. It has high resistance to high temp. slag, and is not inferior to magnesia-carbon refractory contg. Al and/or Si. It has remarkably high strength at about 1000 deg. C compared with magnesia-carbon refractory contg. Al and/or Si.
Simultaneous shaping and drying of pastes from conc. aq. suspensions rich (60-100%) in CaCO3, such as those used for mfr. of Portland cement clinker or other chalk based materials, is described, in which a low voltage (about 50 V max.) electrolysis is effected, continuously or intermittently, under convergent electrical fields and using fixed solid or porous cathodes, in order to recover hydrogen from water which is concentrated under the effect of the electric field followed by an electrofiltration.    Process avoids the high cost of energy for drying the pastes, and produces hydrogen as a by-product which can be used to produce energy. The process thus permits the continued use of the naturally very fine powders for mfr. of cement.
Bipolar cooling plate for a fuel cell used in forming a fuel cell stack has surface channels extending between opposite edges. At least one edge of the channels terminates short of the edge of the plate defining a recess for receiving a fastener.    Pref. both ends of the channel terminate short of the edges of the plate to define two rece for receiving removable fasteners. The recesses are pref. formed in stair-step configuration and the channels comprise U-shaped grooves, permitting reactant gases to pass through the channels with the fastener in place.    Design permits temporary compression of a short cell stack for pre-testing prior to final assembly. Deficient cells may thus be detected and removed prior to final assembly, so eliminating cumbersome disassembly of the final stack.
Fuel cell, comprising a housing contg. a catalytic fuel electrode, a catalytic oxidant electrode and an electrolyte, is operated by supplying an electrolyte contg hydrogen azide to the fuel electrode and O2-contg. gas to the oxidant electrode. The cell provides a powerful electric current for e.g. electric cars, space vehicles, homes, with 5V attainable at room temp. and higher voltages theoretically possible.    An exemplary cell has an electrolyte soln. contg. not more than 30 wt.% hydrogen azide, e.g. o.2 mole Na azide dissolved in 500 ml water mixed with 500 ml 0.1M H2SO4, forming HN3 in aq. NaSO4. Electrodes are porous C or graphite impregnated with Pt catalyst. Oxidant gas is air. The overall cell reaction is 4HN3+O2=2H2O + 6N2, em. e.m.f. 5V, with N2 gas vented to the atmos.
Ion-exchange membrane is impregnated with a soln. contg. a metal cpd. to replace H+ ions in the membrane with metallic or metal complex ion, and is then treated with a soln. contg. a reducing agent to precipitate the metal on the surface of the membrane. The soln. contg. the metal cpd. is brought into contact with the surface of the membrane, while the soln. contg. the reducing agent is allowed to flow through the membrane from the opposite side, to further precipitate the metal on the surface of the membrane at the side of the solution contg. the metal cpd.    The integral body of the ion-exchange membrane with the catalytic metal is useful in the electrolysis of water, hydrochloric acid or salts, a fuel cell, the sepn. of oxygen from air, etc. After the thin film of catalytic metal is formed on the surface of the membrane by an adsorption-reduction method, the catalytic metal is further precipitated on film by a permeation method. Consequently, the catalytic film is firmly bonded to the ion-exchange membrane.
A fuel cell comprises (A) a cell chamber enclosing a body of aq. electrolyte; (B) an inlet connected to (A); (C) a gas-permeable, ion-permeable tubular electrode formed of fine filamentary synthetic resin hollow fibre with ion exchange functionality situated within the chamber, the electrode (C) having a gas inlet end and a gas outlet end, a gas-permeable layer of catalytic metal deposited on the inside surface, and a high surface area first current collector in contact with the catalytic deposit; (D) a second current collector situated within the chamber so as to be immersed in the electrolyte, when present; (E) means for supplying a flow of gaseous oxidant to the gas inlet end; (F) a source of water-soluble electrochemically active liq. fuel; (G) means connecting the source (F) to the inlet (B) so that the liq. fuel and electrolyte form a liq. anode for oxidising the fuel at the second current collector so as to develop an electrochemical potential between the first and second current collectors, and (H) means connected to the first and second current collectors for extracting electrical energy from the cell.    Cell allows power to be generated using a liq. fuel feed which does not need the pressure tanks and associated equipment necessary when using fuel gases such as hydrogen.
Sintered body of 6-potassium titanate, is prepd. by binding crystals using potassium titanate represented by K2O.nTiO2 (where n is smaller than 6) as a binder and then sintering. Potassium titanate having high resistance to alkali is prepd. It is useful for the diaphragm of soda mfg., diaphragm of alkali-water fuel cell, diaphragm of molten alkali salt cell, prefilter of appts. for turning desalinating salt water into filtering material for waste alkali liquid, etc.    In an example K2O.6TiO2 100 pts. wt. was mixed with K2O.4TiO2 5, 10 and 15 pts. wt. and K2O,2TiO2 10, 15 and 20 pts. wt., and moulded with a pressure, of 100 kg.cm2 and sintered.
Separator for fuel cells comprises a porous polytetrafluoroethylene film or a carbon powder-contg. porous polytetrafluoroethylene film secured to the oxidising agent gas supply side of a solid high molecular electrolyte film that comprises an ion exchange film on both surfaces of which are secured a metal of a Pt metal or a carbon powder-contg. metal of Pt metal. The ion exchange film is obtd. by graft polymerisation of a fluorovinyl sulphonic acid monomer on a high molecular substrate in the form of a film that is produced by polymerising one or more monomers (e.g. ethylene, propylene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, and vinyl fluoride, etc.) of formula (I); in which X and Y each represent H, CH3, Cl or F.    The fluorovinyl sulphonic acid monomer is pref.: CF2=CF-O-CF2-CF(CF3) -OCF2CF2-SO2F.    The separator for fuel cells comprises an inexpensive and durable ion exchange film, in which the catalytic activity is not lowered by water produced on the oxidising agent supplying side.
A device comprises cell units formed by laminating a transparent electrode, an amorphous silicon layer and ametal electrode successively on a common transparent substrate. Each two adjacent units are connected by an extension of the metal electrode of one which traverses an edge of the silicon layer to contact the exposed extension of the other unit.    The silicon layer under the extension extends beyond an edge of the transparent electrode by more than the amount that the silicon layer extends beyond the edge in areas not underlying the extension. The length of the silicon layer edge which projects beyond the transparent electrode ispref. substantially greater than the distance between the silicon layer edge and that of the transparent electrode in a main part of each unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents short-circuit failure occurring between metal and transparent electrodes where the metal electrode crosses the silicon layer. (First major country equivalent to J59198775-A)
The substrate (I) is on the incident light side and is transparent to visible light. Each solar cell has a laminar structure and has photosensitive semiconductor layer(s) (II) and a transparent front side electrode (III), pref. of metal oxide, towards the incident light. (I) consists of a heat-resistant fluoro-polymer film, on which (III) is placed directly.    (I) may consist of a tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) polymer which cannot be processed from the melt, pref. PTFE or a copolymer of TFE with a max. 1.5 mol-% other fluoro-monomer, pref. hexafluoropropy-lene (HFP), perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethers with 1-5 (3) C alkyl gps. or chlorotrifluoroethylene (TFClE). Alternatively, (I) may be a melt-processable homopolymer of vinyl fluoride (VF) or vinylidene fluoride (VDF) or TFCIE; or a melt-processable thermo-plastic copolymer of TFE or TFCIE, contg. min. 30 mole-% TFE or FTFCIE and min. 1 mole-% (each) of other monomer(s), pref. olefins (ethylene), perfluoroolefins (HFP), perfluorinated and partly fluorinated allyl alkyl and alkyl vinyl ethers such as perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethers (perfluoropropyl vinyl ether (PFPVE)), vinyl cpds. (VF or VDF) or partly fluorinated olefins (TFCIE). These polymers may be modified with a third or fourth monomer free from fluorine.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is flexible and can be used in tape form. It is suitable for use on the front side and can withstand the temps. encountered during mfr. and during use of the arr array for years. It is highly transparent and light in wt. and has min. water vapour permeability. It is also resistant to degradation outdoors and shows good adhesion to metal oxide coatings.
Tandan photodetector (10) comprises a number of cells, each comprising a pin device, the -type layer (28,36) being placed between p and n-type layers, the doped layers (30,34) at the interface (40) between adjacent cells (24,32), being of opposite conductivity type. At least one of the doped layers (30,34) exhibits a forbidden energy band larger than that of the material of the i-layers (28,36).    ADVANTAGE -   The tandan photodetector has reduced loss of charge carriers by back diffusion.
Protectively coated flexible laminate comprises layer of flexible polymer, partic. Kapton (RTM; polyimide) which is coated with silicone compsn. In pref. embodiment, the laminate is used to support a solar cell array which is bonded to the Kapton surface using conventional silicone adhesive, the individual cells being electrically interconnected by flexible wires or printed circuits. All exposed Kapton is coated with silicone compsn. to prevent degradation when subjected to high concn. of oxygen atoms in extraterrestrial space.    The silicone coating protects the emissivity and absorptivity characteristics of the solar array so that it changes by less than 0.01%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Protectively coated flexible laminate is designed to support solar cell array of solar generator used in space on satellites and space-ships, the laminate being rolled up to use less space during take-off and unrolled in space to become operational. Silicone coating protects substrate film from degradation and depletion due to reaction with oxygen atoms while not interfering with desirable physical properties.
The appts. uses a connector block (9) at one end, does not require an external wire or connector at the other end. Each cell has two projections (e.g. 1a,1b) at one end and two recesses (4c,4d) at the other end forming electrical connections and also mechanical interlocking devices. Each cell contains a spring loaded switch (5 to 8) which can bridge its output connections (e.g. 1c,1d). Each switch is operated by a spindle (e.g. 5a) which projects outside its housing.    When two cells are connected, the spindle projecting at the joint is pushed in, and the switch is open. When a line of cells is connected, only the spindle (8a) at the free end projects, and its switch is closed. A connector block (9) with a plug is mounted at the other end. An alternative device has end and side connections with internal switches for the connections one end, so that alternative connection arrangements can be used.    ADVANTAGE -   The danger of faulty end connections is avoided.
Solar cell module has a substrate carrying the solar cells in which conductor elements are embedded for the connection of the cells. The substrate consists of an electrically insulating flexible foil with a braiding of reinforcing fibres in one direction. Electrically conductive wires are interlaced with them crosswise. At least some of the wires are conductively joined to the solar cells at least at certain points.    ADVANTAGE -   Such a substrate has best possible stability of form when thermally loaded and when tensile forces or fluctuating loads such as wind loads act on it. The electrical circuitry is facilitated.
The output from a cycloconverter, converting line frequency to any other frequency, is applied to the secondary winding of the induction motor while the primary winding of the motor is short-circuited during start-up. A voltage lower than the line voltage is applied to the primary winding when the induction motor is operating at a speed within an intermediate speed range. The line voltage is applied to the primary winding when said induction motor is operating at a speed near its ranged speed.    The intermediate speed range is between 50 to 100% of the rated speed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For starting variable-speed pump turbine of pumped storage power station. Has wide speed-control range.
Each of the cells of the module has a first side adapted for illumination and a pattern of metallisation on this side. A second side is covered by unpatterned metallisation. Protective diodes are included, one of which is coupled in parallel with and poled oppositely to each of the cells.    Protective diodes comprising discrete diodes are attached between the second sides of adjacent photovoltaic cells. The protective diodes are positioned in spaces between adjacent ones of photo-voltaic cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Module is protected from reverse bias damage and dis-plays minimal power loss resulting from temporary inoperativeness of one or more individual photovoltaic cells.
The apparatus including a buoyant main body (24) forms a housing for a number of pumps and a float system (28) connected such that wave induced relative motion between the body and the component parts of the float system causes actuation of the pumps. The pumps intake water from the supporting medium and pumps it through an effluent conduit to a remote location where it is used to perform useful work.    The appratus can be scuttled during storms, with effective resurrection made possible by using the buoys of the float system to store air, or other fluid, under pressure until needed to purge the buoyant main body of water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For e.g. electricity generation. Provides high volume flow and is abrasion resistant.
(JP92067347-B)      Process comprises screen printing an electrode material on the surface of a Si wafer. The electrode material contain, at least, Pb, Sb, As, P2O5, As2O3 or Sb2O3, 1-3 wt.% which is thermally diffused from an n(+)-layer of the Si wafer to a p-layer thereof.    USE -   Used for making Si solar cells. (J59181071-A)
Two cylinders each have an open and enclose a piston. A pipe communicates between the two cylinders at the ends remote from their open ends. A closure member is movable between one position in which it closes off the open end of the other. A liquid is contained between the cylinders and the pipe, between the two pistons. An electrical generating device is operated by movement of the liquid. Fluid pressure acting on the first cylinder and thus the first piston, with the second cylinder closed by the closure member, moves the first piston inwardly. The liquid is moved to the second piston through the pipe, to operate the electricity generating device. Movement of the closure member allows the fluid pressure to act on the second piston to move the first piston back to its start position. Electricity is generated by movement of the second piston inwardly.    USE -   For stream or waterfall, sea waves, or wind gas pressure. It is also mounted on electric or hybrid vehicle.
Each elementary cell (11) comprises a central metallic core (12) surrounded by successive semiconductor layers (13,14) which constitute a photoactive diode.    The outer layer (14) is partially covered by metallisation (15) forming the counter electrode on the surface which is turned away from the light and encapsulated in a baseplate (16). The unmetallised surface which faces the light is encapsulated in a transparent plate (17) of synthetic thermoplastic laminate or polymerisable resin under a glass cover plate (18).    ADVANTAGE -   The active surface is max. and the free electron path to the counter electrode is at mose one-quarter of the dia. of the elementary cell. The conductor (12) and semiconductor coatings (13,14) are easily mass-produced and cut into segments of definite length. The cell voltage can be doubled by combination of p-n and n-p elements.
The carrier sheet has horizontal fold lines across it, so that it can be supported vertically when required, or folded up in zig-zag folds and stored flat in a container (6). The top of the sheet is suspended from a jib on top of a folding mast and the sheet is supported by a vertical cable (11,12) at each end, connected to winding drums (14) which are operated to carry out the folding operation.    The tops of the cables are suspended from an upper cross member with connections for the jib on the mast. The sections (1,2) of the sheet, forming the folds, incorporate pairs of holes (15,16) to allow the suspension cables to pass through. The cables have balls (17) attached, which can wedge against the holes to retain the folds. The holes (15) one side of an fold line are keyhole shaped, to allow the balls to pass through when required, for erection and folding.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For satellites, and space vehicles can be easily extended and collapsed.
A photovoltaic device is mfd. by (a) forming spaced first electrodes on an insulating substrate surface at photoelectric conversion regions; (b) forming a semiconductor film, then a second electrode film, continuously covering the first electrodes; (c) using an energy beam to remove portions of the second electrode film in the vicinity of the gaps between adjacent first electrodes, dividing the film into second electrodes for photoelectric conversion regions; (d) dry etching to remove semiconductor regions using the second electrodes as mask, exposing portions of the first electrode; and (e) electrically connecting an exposed portion of each first electrode with a portion of the adjacent second electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   The second electrode portions are precisely removed by the energy beam, with any damage to the semiconductor layer limited to the portion subsequently removed by dry etching. The useful surface area is maximised and the semiconductor surface is protected from dust and spatters by the second electorde. (First major country equivalent to J59172274-A)
The rotor (2), of the savonius type, has blades (8) which overlap at the centre of rotation (9). A fixed structure underneath the rotor (5), which could be part of a building roof, is shaped to form a central depression (14) to accept the rotor and has two raised portions (22,22') which generate vortices in the airflow.    A moveable aerodynamic vane (28) located above the rotor allows the air passage through the machine to be optimised for different wind directions. The effect of the stabilised potential vortex (W) caused by the interaction of the rotor and fixed structure (5) is to prevent the flow becoming non laminar.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For transforming air or water energy into e.g. electricity. Is effecient, simple and gust resistant.
At least one band of metal having an adhesive strip attached is fed to a strip slicing machine. Adjacent to the bands of metal, a solar cell is also fed into the machine. At least one bus-bar strip is cut from the band and the strip is deposited adjacent to the solar cell to adhesively bond the bus-bar to the solar cell.    The attached bus-bars are then permanently attached and electrically connected by subjecting the adhesively attached bus-bars and solar cell to solder dip. The adhesive strips attached to the metal band have two adhesive surfaces. One of the surfaces is attached to the band, and the opposite adhesive surface has a protective backing which is removed prior to cutting the strip.    ADVANTAGE -   Process of attaching bus-bars to solar cells has not been automated in prior art.
Photoelectric transducer mfr. comprising: (1) formation of a 1st conductive layer on an insulating substrate surface; (2) use of a number of laser beams to simultaneously form 1st grooves (G) in the 1st conductive layer and divide this layer into a set of 1st electrodes; (3) formation of a polycrystalline semiconductor layer covering the electrodes and grooves; (4) simultaneous laser beam scanning of the semiconductor layer to form 2nd grooves that are offset w.r.t. the 1st grooves and define laminate sections; (5) formation of a 2nd conductive layer that extends over the semiconductor layer and the 2nd grooves and forms plugs connecting to the 1st electrodes via the 2nd grooves; (6) simultaneous laser beam scanning of the 2nd conductive layer to produce insulating sepn. portions and divide this layer into 2nd electrodes that each face one 1st electrode and connect to the adjacent electrode via a 2nd conductive layer plug.    USE -   Useful for compact, low voltage, small capacity DC power sources for general consumer electronic substrates or high voltage, large capacity power sources for business applications.
The water turbine converts the momentum of flowing water to rotational energy about a vertical axis. The turbine is in the shape of a sphere and has cut-outs evenly spaced round its periphery in an elongated 'S' shape extending from pole to pole of the sphere, the vertical shaft passing through the poles of the sphere. The cut-outs are spaced at 45 degs. intervals, and are shaped in section to present a concave surface to the oncoming fluid on the side of the sphere moving with the fluid and to present a convex surface on the opposite side.    The shaft of the sphere is connected by a gear train to an electric generator, and two turbine wheels may be placed side by side to balance the forces on the central gear.    ADVANTAGE -   Robust construction.
After closing the movable guide vanes, a judging step assesses whether the closing relation between the vanes is normal according to predetermined criteria. The judging step involves closing the lowest stage vanes until the relation is judged abnormal.    The closing is then stopped until the relation is judged normal, and the process is repeated until the lowest stage vanes are closed. An inlet valve is closed when the highest stage vanes are fully closed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Multi-stage water-and-pump-turbines. Water pressure waves are not directly applied to return passage.
A vessel in the form of a barge contains ballast tanks, pumps and associated structure permitting the vessel to selectively float or to be submerged at a spillway. The vessel contains horizontal penstock and draught tube passages each containing a turbine for generating electricity.    The vessel is floated into the gate of a dam spillway wherein the water flowing passes through the vessel passages energising the turbines. Water is removed from the ballast tanks in the event of flood conditions to refloat the barge and to disengage the spillway structure and barge anchor. The refloated barge is removed from the spillway to permit unrestricted flow through the spillway.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not interfere with flood waters or operation of dam.
One kine of pulses is fed to the guide system blade drive (3) and the other is applied to the working wheel blade drive (4). Two indicating signals are shaped, the first of which is equal to the periodic signal and the signal proportional to pressure difference derivative and the second is equal to the periodic to the first indicator (8) signal integral and amplitude of one indicator signal is increased and the amplitude of the other periodic signal is decreased.    The guide system blade position and the working wheel blade setting are changed proportionally to the second indicator (11) signal integral until the mean values of the differential signa signals attain the null levels. According to the average positions of the guide system blades and the working wheel blades the maximum efficiency operational modes are determined.    USE -   For automatic determination of hydroelectric power plant turbine characteristic. Bul.9/7.3.84
The method of transferring especially during normal operating conditions, entails switching the generator out of the grid, re-phasing it, reversing the turbine, changing the opening of the guide apparatus and reconnecting to the grid.    The method differs in that the turbine generating set is switched back into the grid at the initial moment of the reverse, and the change in the opening of the guide apparatus is made after switching it back. When this is done the guide apparatus opening is set at a size corresponding to the load on the generating set in the turbine mode.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced transfer time, less dynamic overload and better reliability. Bul.8/28.2.84.
The tidal power generator, for use in shallow coastal waters to use convert the energy of the surf, consists of a rocking element on a lever mounted on a support which is able to rotate, and connected via a cable to the energy consumer.    The generator differs in that the rocking element is made in the form of two semi-cylinders (8) which are fixed back to back by rods (9) which join their convex sides to the lever (1), so that their concave sides face the tidal flow. As the tide ebbs and flows the lever is rocked, with a weight on the lower end of the lever returning it to its initial position after each movement.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency through improved use of tidal energy. Bul.8/28.2.84.
Water flows under pressure via water feed and screen chamber through any one of several flow control valves to separate water feed pipes contained in the manifold and from there is directed by any number of nozzles as jets on to rotor. Under pressure from the jets of water the rotor revolves and drives a pulley wheel linked to a generator by means of a continuous belt. The speed of revolution is determined firstly by the head of water, secondly by the amount of water and the breaking effect of the generator which is proportional to the amount of electrical power which the generator may be producing.    The control valves can be operated in succession in response to a frequency error signal. Additional electrical loads, such as immersion heaters, may be switched in when consumer consumption falls. The nozzles are so disposed that the jets of water impinge on the rotor at an angle of less than 90 degrees measured from the axis of rotation of the rotor.
An instruction is issued to cut off a load from the water wheel upon occurrence of a state of emergency. An instruction to close a guide vane of the wheel is issued in response to the instruction to cut off. The change in opening of the guide vane is monitored and a signal is generated showing the closing operation when the guide vane closing operation is being performed.    An inlet valve of the water wheel is held at an opened state for a predetermined period from the issuing of the instruction to close a guide vane. The inlet valve is closed when no change in opening of the guide vane is detected after lapse of the predetermined period of time.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for reversible pump turbine. Provides smooth stopping of wheel.
Thin film solar cell of large area has a substrate with electroconductive (first) contact, a first p- or n-conducting film and a second n- or p-conducting film or Schottky barrier film, which is provided with an electroconductive (second) contact, pref. in the form of a grid. To prevent short or shunt circuits, the first contact is passivated in the areas not effectively covered after application of the first film and before application of the second.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lack of homogeneity (esp. pin holes) in the first film is not detrimental to the finished solar cell, so that the cost of test or rectification is avoided. The process is used esp. in tandem solar cell system mfr.
Thin film solar cell of large area has a substrate with electroconductive (first) contact, a first p- or n-conducting film and a second n- or p-conducting film or Schottky barrier film, which is provided with an electroconductive (second) contact, pref. in the form of a grid. Before application of the first semiconductor film, the first contact is treated to convert its front surface into a semiconductor of this type or provided with another coating which is corresponds to the first semiconductor film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is useful for making tandem solar cell systems. Lack of homogeneity (esp. pin holes) in the first film is not detrimental to the finished solar cell and the need to remedy short or shunt circuits is avoided. The process is simple, reliable and economical.
The water turbine has its blades attached to the rim of a wheel rotating in a closed circular chamber. An inlet adjoins the chamber to carry water from the supply chute into the chamber. The water leaves via an outlet. A flexible part of the wall near the inlet and possibly along the supply chute is used to alter the flow cross-section of the incoming water.    The moving part of the wall is moved by a controlled pressure element engaging the outside of the wall. The wall part consists of material with the elasticity of rubber. The pressure element is mushroom shaped and moves perpendicular to the inlet. Alternatively the wall part may be a thin metal strip and the element, a rotary cam. (First major country equivalent to AT8301366)
When the pumping operation of the runner of the machine is started, compressed air is introduced into the runner chamber to depress the water surface in the runner chamber to facilitate the start up of the runner. When the runner is accelerated to a predetermined speed, the air in the runner chamber is discharged through an air discharge valve to commence the pumping operation. Water pressure available in the water passageway on upper reservoir side of the runner chamber is applied to the valve closing mechanism of the air discharge valve.    The valve opening force exerted by a valve operating mechanism and acting on the valve opening mechanism of the air discharge valve is selected to be greater than the valve closing force generated by the water pressure applied to the valve closing mechanism of the air discharge valve.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for pumped storage hydroelectric plant. Valve closes even when operating force exerted by mechanism is lost.
The system    for assembling hydraulic turbine rotors consists of a fixed base with supporting columns, and a horizontal platform which is mounted on the columns so that it can be moved vertically.    The system differs in that it also incorporates temporary supports, adjustable grid sectors wich decks, emergency safety units and counter-weights. The platform is in four sections which can be moved in relation to one another and each made with base and rotary elements, and the temporary supports are mounted on the rotary elements.    The columns are made as frames with vertical supports carrying the counterweights, which are connected to the platform section base elements by cables. The emergency safety units, mounted on the base elements, are in the form of spring-loaded and fixed wedges which interact with the vertical supports.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a wider range of technical applications. Bul.4/30.1.84
An amorphous Si solar battery comprises a substrate and at least one light incident transparent electroconductive electrode and an opposed back electrode sandwiching an amorphous Si layer. A major surface of the back electrode contacts an organic resin layer, and at least that surface of the electrode is made of a cpd. of transition metal and N, Si or C. In an embodiment, a solar battery comprises a number of unit cells as above connected in series formed on a single substrate and having amorphous Si between unit cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The transition metal cpd. is more corrosion resistant than conventionally used stainless steel Al, Cr, Ni-Cr, Mo etc., so inhibits or minimises the output redn. of the solar battery in use and/or peeling of the back electrode. (First major country equivalent to J59147469-A)
The vortex velocity linear turbine comprises a cased turbine assembly containing one main moving part rotating centrally because of, and within, a generated vortex as formed by a chamber in which air or liqs. are received in a linear manner, i.e. evenly approaching the entire length of the rotating shaft at 90 deg.    The machine can receive wind by means of a venturi shaped opening extending the full length and continuing through a taper shape imparting a compressive effect on the wind flow. The figure 6 shaped casing continues to turn the wind through 45 deg. to 180 deg. to spin it in a circular vortex chamber about the centrally mounted, full length bladed rotor.
The system has an upstream reservoir (4) an upper reservoir (5) and a downstream reservoir (6). Stored river water in the upstream reservoir is pumped to the upper reservoir by a pump (8) using surplus electric power and turbine (9) generates electric power at peak time using the level difference between upper reservoir 6 at which mean pump head is about half of mean turbine head.    Low water level (16) of the upper reservoir (5) is higher than ground level (20) such that intake water can be taken out through a gate (21). The turbine (9) may also drive the pump (8) continuously in order to obtain continuous intake of water from the upper reservoir (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Has improved effeciency.
Machine drive control is used with a system comprising a multistage hydraulic machine in which the pressure stages are connected in series via guide wheels and reversing lines such that the pressure stages having the highest and lowest pressure are provided with adjustable control vanes with variable setting angles.    For a required load setting, the setting angle of one of the stages with highest and lowest pressure is set to the setting angle of the control vanes corresp. to the desired load, in order to obtain drive with higher power at a predetermined pressure peak. The setting angle of the vanes of the other stage is set to value that satisfies the ratio between the setting angles of the adjustable control vanes of the stages with the highest and lowest pressure so as to maintain a hydraulically stable drive at a preset pressure peak.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Controlling and adjusting the water throughout at constant drive conditions of the hydraulic machine. Reduces cavitation, vibration and noise and prevents abnormal rise in pressure in the lowest pressure stage.
Blocking of all output command signals, formed by summing standard impulses with the intervals between cycles, is carried out simultaneously and summing is carried out, until the result corresponds to maximum given revs. value of shaft, measured by sensor (2).    Setting unit (6) produces the intermediate signals and, when the summed number of the intermediate signals and the overall number of the setting channels coincide, formation of the output command signals is permitted, by a counter altering the logic level of a trigger. The counter is fixed with a capacitance equal to the number of setting channels.    USE -   Control of operation modes of hydro-turbines. Bul.4/30.1.84
The system contains an A.C. generator (11) driven by a wind or water turbine (2) whose speed or torque may vary. A differential drive unit (3) coupled to the turbine (2) and generator (11) and device such as a reaction machine (6) are arranged to control the torque on the respective input to the differential drive unit. The torque is controlled in response to changes in the speed of rotation of the turbine in the sense which tends to compensate for such speed variations and thus reduce fluctuations of torque on the generator.    The torque control means may comprise a pump (6) connected to a hydraulic motor (4) through a controller (7), or alternatively may be an electric transmission incorporating a computer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Also for tidal or wave power generation on national grid. Allows for fluid flow fluctuations preventing large variations in torque.
The generator comprises (a) a body including a semiconductor superlattice structure (54) having a periodic variation in its electronic character along a first direction for a number of spatial periods, resulting in a periodic variation of the net space charge density in the superlattice; (b) a coherent far infrared generator (51) directing the beam in the first direction to apply a transient electric field to each superlattice portion perpendicular to the first direction; and (c) a structure guiding the ultrasonic wave away from the superlattice structure and into the acoustic system (64), e.g. a substrate (62) impedance matched to the superlattice structure and acoustic system.    The ultrasonic waves are generated by the interaction of the electromagnetic beam and the superlattice structure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The generator produces monochromatic phonons at the same frequency as the infrared source, e.g. 100-1000GHz. It operates at room temp., and improves resolution of acoustic microscopes to 1 x 10 power-6 cm and increases data rates of acoustic-optical data systems, where it is used as an opto-acoustic transducer. /5
The alloy comprises Si, H and N with N/Si=1/100 to 1/1 covering the range 1.6-2.2 eV. This also gives stepped photoconductivity culminating at up to 3 eV in an insulator.    The alloy is produced by luminescent discharge deposition on an insulating support or a conductor from dilute silane in a conventional carrier gas but with addn. of nitrogen to maintain the required silane/N ratio.    USE -   In semiconductor mfr..
When the runner is idling for phase modification running or stand-by running, the main machine is tripped using a circuit if the flow rate of cooling water supplied to the seal portions of the runner is maintained below a predetermined limit for a predetermined period of time.    The main machine tripping circuit is excited to become operative only after the pressure around the runner comes down to a level approximating the water pressure in the draft pipe.    ADVANTAGE -   For use with alternator. Ensures safe phase modification running. Avoids thermal expansion of runner and consequent contact with stationary parts.
Passivation film is formed on the surface of a photoelectric conversion device having a junction between hydrogenated amorphous Si and a conductive electrode by plasma CVD from a mixed gas having an excess of O2-contg. gas w.r.t SiH4.    The device having a junction between hydrogenated amorphous Si and In-Sn oxide has its surface covered with an Si oxide film formed as above.    The oxygen contg. gas is pref. nitrous oxide, CO2 or O2. It is admixed with SiH4 in mixing ratio 30:1-80:1. The gas also includes an inert carrier gas of e.g. Ar, He etc. The conductive electrode is pref. In-Sn oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For image sensor reading an original in facsimile equipment or a solar cell. The excess O2 minimises SiH4 reaction with the electrode during deposition, minimising deterioration in dark current. The resulting device has light current dark current ratio 3000, unchanged by autoclaving at 120 deg.C for 30 min. at 2 atmos., compared with a ratio 5000 before depositing the film. The ratio may be further increased by optimalising the Si oxide thickness.
Process comprises contacting a gas, which has been pre-activated by electron-cyclotron resonance effected by an alternating electric field and a magnetic field, with a silicon atom-contg. gaseous source material in a reaction chamber contg. a substrate. The pre-activated gas converts the source material into radicals which react with the substrate to form an amorphous silicon film on the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for mass prodn. of amorphous silicon films with good photoconductivity. Gas plasma formation is rapid, so that film deposition rate is high, and the activated gas does not contact the film directly so that photoconductivity is not affected. The resulting films are useful as electrophotographic photoconductors, image sensors, etc.
A simplified and more compact version of a solar cell module is achieved by integrating the power limiting diodes that act as current by-pass at voltage reversal during overload, in the actual solar cell module. This eliminates the need for an external diode box and additional external insulated connections.    Solar cells are connected in series, forming several chains. By-pass diodes are reverse connected across individual chains so as to limit the heating power delivered by partially shaded cells.
The power generating mechanism uses the energy of a water stream to drive paddles carried between two parallel endless chains around chain wheel pairs at either end. The chains and paddles are arranged such that the water-driven paddles are at right angles to the current and the paddles carried by the return parts of the chains are above water level. The chain wheels drive generators. Below water level, rails support rollers on chains, the return parts of the chains being similarly supported on lattice girders above water.    Typically the 35cm thick paddles are hollow and each has 8mm thick parallel aluminium plates of 5 x 5 sq.m. as front and rear wall. A typical installation may have 50 paddles of 75 sq.cm. with 2 m spacing in the water at one one time. According to calculation, this installation could produce as much as 20MW in a 2 m/sec. current.
The current-driven power generating appts. includes a water wheel having a transversely extending axle on which are fixedly mounted several paddles. Also mounted on the axially outer ends of this axle are gears. The water wheel is anchored against downstream movement by guide wires attached at one end to the axle and at the other end to an anchor post disposed upstream of the water wheel. The anchor post has a transversely extending shaft rotatably mounted in it containing two pairs of gears on its axially outer ends. Drive chains are mounted on the gears on the axle and on one pair of gears on the shaft.    Parallel to the shaft in the anchor post is a horizontally extending power shaft connected at one end to a generator and having a pair of gears mounted at its other end. The qears on the power shaft are in meshed contact with the second pair of gears on the shaft mounted in the anchor post. Rotation of the water wheel drives the drive chain and thereby causes rotation of the shaft in the anchor post. Rotation of this shaft causes rotation of the power shaft.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electric current produced may be used for any suitable purpose, as for machinery, or operating an electric lighting system. The generator is operated solely by the current, without fuel consumption, and runs continuously without any expense except for the initial cost of manufacture and installation.
The hydro-turbine has a casing with an inlet port and an outlet port. A driveshaft is journaled in the casing and a rotor is secured to the driveshaft. The rotor has a cylindrical member whose radius is at least greater than 50 percent of the radius of the peripheral wall casing. A number of vane members extend outwardly from the outer radial surface of the cylindrical member. The vanes are spaced round the perimeter of the cylindrical member and each vane has a front surface abd a rear surface.    The front surface is flat and the rear surface is convex in cross-section. The bottom edge of the rear of each vane is located adjacent the bottom edge of the front surface of the adjacent vane member. The vane members extend across the entire width of the cylindrical member.    ADVANTAGE -   Less water is trapped between the adjacent vanes of the rotors when drivingly rotating the rotor. This increases savings in the amount of water required to drive each vane member.
A number of fixed hydraulic geometry turbines of different discrete sizes with associated generators of the induction type are selected for a given hydropower site to provide max. energy recovery under variable flow conditions. The turbines have no adjustments or variable inflow controls, but are instead enabled or disabled in accordance with an optimum on-off duty schedule programmed into a power controller to match varying water flow conditions. Each turbine when in operation operates at its rated efficiency to provide max. operating efficiency for the power plant with output power that varies depending on the water flow available from the hydropower source.    The power controller operates through control gates to interrupt flow to selected turbines and open circuit breakers for associated generators in accordance with input data from water level, flow and power monitoring sensors and a duty scheduling program.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For small hydropower sites, utilising a number of less costly fixed geometry hydraulic turbines operating with max. efficiency despite varying flow conditions.
A turbine rotor is received within a power flow housing and has turbine blades for imparting a mechanical turning force on the rotor in response to fluid flow through the power flow housing. An impulse chamber having sidewall portions defining a diverging passage is coupled to the power flow housing inlet port. Electrodes are received within the impulse chamber for conducting an electrical discharge within the impulse chamber.    When an electrical arc is conducted between the electrodes, the water flowing through the impulse chamber into the power flow chamber is vaporised, and a shock wave is propagated through the impulse chamber. The shock wave is reacted in part by the mass of the water in the impulse chamber, and by baffle plates.    ADVANTAGE -   The shock waves and the expanding water vapour provide increased torque output.
The appts. may be anchored to the bottom of a flow course (21). Underwater currents (1) act on drop flaps (18). The received flow energy is conducted on a conveyor belt (6), and via a rear shaft (13), conversion wheel and a power transmission (14) to an incorporated or external electric generator.    After reaching the end of the conveyor belt, the drop flaps (7) lie flat, rim forward to the front shaft (4). The flaps take fresh movement energy, when located in the underwater currents. The rigid parts of the power unit comprise a base plate (20), front and rear supports (3,17), a bearer frame (11), and anchoring devices (2,21). Other versions of the model can incorporate a flow accelerator and rail supports.    USE -   For uninterrupted underwater currents.
The rectangular solar cell with a pattern of conductors (3) on its surface (2) one side, arranged in lines and columns has two connectors (6) made of e.g. aluminium, copper or silvered copper each extending from front to rear between two columns of conductors. To enable a large area solar cell to be built up, the ends of each connector project beyond the front and rear edges of the rectangular unit, so that they can be connected to adjacent conductors. Each connector also has a central loop (5) projecting upwards. When a unit is divided to form a required pattern, the loop is cut also, giving project ends for connection.    In an alternative design, each connector has overlapping inner ends, ends, so that when the unit is divided, the connector does not need to be cut. In another method, where the unit is to be subdivided into smaller sections, the conductor is divided into shorter lengths.    ADVANTAGE -   Irregular patterns can be built up, as required.
The device has a junction between a hydrogenated amorphous Si and electrically conductive electrodes, pref. of In-Sn oxide and is passivated by (a) forming a passivation film of Si oxide on the device surface; and (b) forming a passivation film of Si nitride on the Si oxide.    The device having the two-layer passivation film, where the layers are formed by plasma CVD is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The passivation includes Si3N4 to provide very low permeability to water or alkali ion and heat resistance, with a buffer SiO2 film avoiding peeling through stress, both films capable of being deposited at low temp. to avoid H elimination. The device characteristics are not deteriorated by the passivation. The passivation may also serve as an antireflection film by controlling layer thicknesses.
The module comprises first and second independently operable panels of solar cells having different band gaps, stacked one on top of the other with the cells facing each other in optical series; and an interface layer (40) of optically transparent, electrically insulating, pref. thermally stable material between the panels. The material is pref. a solid adhering the panels together, esp. contg. polyvinyl butyral, silicone or ethylene vinyl acetate as major constituent. The first panel comprises a first array of thin film solar cells formed on an optically transparent substrate (12), (some) electrically interconnected in series, having a first transparent conductor between substrate and cell array and a second transparent conductive layer on the other side of the cells. The second conductor has a thickness such that light passing through it is optically at the peak spectral response of the second panel. The second panel includes a second substrate (22) carrying a second array of solar cells (24,26,28), (some) electrically series interconnected.    ADVANTAGE -   Panels are independently mfd., allowing optimised conditions, no lattice matching; and independently operated, allowing selective output and no short circuit current matching. A tailored response is provided with max. collection efficiency with min. cost increase.
Module, functioning in direct solar radiation or in low concn. conditions, consists of several solar cells mounted on an insulating plate support provided with orifices. The plate is arranged in a parallel plane inside 2 glass panes which are sealed in a metal frame with an epoxy resin. The parallel arrangement is ensured by means of metal spacers. After removing the electric contacts, the internal vol. created between the 2 glass panes is filled with silicone oil, by means of filling devices and the expulsion of air.
Dump loads (14) pref. binary weighted resistors are switched by triacs (13) operated by a flip-flop circuit (12). The circuit (12) is clocked by negative-going zero crossings of an input voltage limiter (11) so that changes in the generator frequency change the number of triacs in circuit to increase the load as the frequency increases and vice-versa.    A damping flywheel on the alternator shaft prevents frequency change at a rate greater than a band-pass filter (6) can respond to. The filter band is relatively narrow to stabilise variations caused by synchronous reactance and the inertia is suitably great. The dump loads (14) are pref. arranged in a binary sequence to match the output of the flip-flop (12) and to minimize the number of triacs.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents 'hunting' at low frequencies, typically varying from 47 to 53 Hz, when governor is removing loads at slow rate.
Electrical signal applied to the controlling tappings (4) via LED's (6) enables current generating irradiation directly proportional to the current flow. The irradiation is then directed over    light guides (15) or inside the guide tube (7) reflecting the irradiation at the interior surface towards the photo-sensitive surface of the semiconductor element (9) e.g. photo-resistor mounted directly on the radiator as the current conducting elements (2, 10, 14 and 9) are insulated from the metal base (11). Bul.43/23.11.83
Photoconductive material comprises (a) 100 pts. wt. phthalocyanine photoconductive element; and (b) 0.01-20 pts. wt. phthalocyanine deriv. having electron-absorbing gps. Photoconductive material comprises 100 pts. wt. (a) 0.01-20 pts. wt. (b) and 0.01-50 pts. wt. (c) anti-oxidant.    Pref. (a) is an alpha-type, beta-type, gamma-type or delta-type crystalline phthalocyanine. Pref. (b) contains nitro, cyano, or carboxyl gp. Pref. (a) is a non-metal phthalocyanine or metal phthalocyanine contg. e.g. Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Na, Li, K, Mg, Al, etc. Cpd. (c) is e.g. 2,6-di-tert.butyl-4- methylphenol, 4,4'-methylenebis- (2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 3,7-dioctyl phenothiazine, 4,4'-dioctyl diphenylamine, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Material is produced only by mixing (a), (b) and opt. (c) and has stable sensitivity and good ageing stability. Used for an electrophotographic photoreceptor, solar battery, sensor, etc.
Photovoltaic device is formed by: forming spaced oxide electrode layers on the insulating surface of a substrate; depositing continuous photoelectric semiconductor and second electrode films; patterning them to correspond to the first oxide electrode regions; and depositing a series coupling electrode layer (I) through an apertured mask contacting portions of the first electrode regions exposed during the patterning step and adjacent second electrode regions. (I) comprises a dual layer of Pt, Au, Ag, Ti or Ni or their alloys overlaid with Al.    ADVANTAGE -   The first layer of (I) prevents the Al layer from oxidn. through contact with the first electrode oxide layer. (claimed). (First major country equivalent to J59103383 -A)
The device comprises series connected elements each comprising a semi-conductor photoelectric layer sandwiched between a first electrode on a substrate and an opposed second electrode. At least one of the electrodes comprises a conductive metal oxide layer contacting the semiconductor and a conductive layer on the metal oxide.    Specifically, n (integer larger than 1) elements are formed side by side on an insulating layer on a transparent substrate. The first electrodes are transparent. The semiconductor layer is a non-single-crystal laminate contg. a junction. The second electrodes are layered, as above, and include extensions coupling the second electrode of one cell with the first electrode of the adjacent cell. Isolation portions, pref. grooves, separate second electrodes.    ADVANTAGES -   The conductive metal oxide is chemically stable, forming and maintaining good contact with the semiconductor. The device has high photoelectric conversion efficiency with no deterioration over long periods.
The hydroelectric power generator includes a turbine wheel with a horizontal axis linked to an electrical generator in a sealed enclosure. The enclosure lies on the axis of the channel which supplies water to the turbine.    A distributor with movable blades lies in the channel before the turbine, the blades pivoting in bearings mounted in the channel wall and in the sealed enclosure wall. The orientation of the blades may be controlled from within the enclosure. Cleaning of the turbine etc. may be carried out after sluices have been closed.    USE -   The HEP unit may be controlled from within a sealed pit lying in the water flow channel.
Equipment in which the economics of testing are improved has the pressure ducting furnished with bleeds (3) fitted with calibrated regulating shut-off valves (4).    The setting of valves (4) can be varied during the test, while keeping the control-nozzle setting constant, so that the rate of flow in the pressure ducting (1) can be adjusted at constant head of water in order to find the    best design of pressure    ducting for a real impulse turbine. Bul.41/7.11.83
The appts. includes a protective screen (10) into which solar cells are directly inserted. Their position is pref. maintained by retainers (15,16), while terminals are arranged for tapping the voltage of several solar cells. A connection is provided between the solar cells and electronic components during installation of the integrated module.    The screen can be of transparent acryl resin. The solar cells are made of amorphous silicon and are series-connected, each solar cell having two electrodes (11a,11b,12a,12b). Pref. the electrodes are directly coupled to positive and negative terminals of an LSI chip.    ADVANTAGE -   Risk of damage to circuits supplied by the cells is minimised.
Water entering the top of a duct travels down to drive the turbine wheel before leaving at either side of a centre body. The spinning shaft attached to the turbine disc transmits power to the generator.    Regulation of the water flow is achieved by lifting the shaft which raises the complete centre construction of the machine, i.e. centre body, turbine wheel and its inlet. This movement reduces the area at the periphery of the turbine and hence water flow.    ADVANTAGES -   Mechanically much simpler than customary designs using variable angle turbine blades and remains effective at very low flow levels.
Device comprises (a) a light transparent substrate having an insulating surface; (b) n (where n=integer greater than 1) semiconductor elements formed on the insulating surface and connected in series, each comprising (c) a first light transparent electrode on the substrate; (d) a non-single-crystal semiconductor laminate (Q) contg. a semiconductor junction, on the first electrode; (e) a second electrode on the semiconductor, having a layered structure including a conductive metal oxide contacting the semiconductor; (f) extensions of the second electrode structure contacting the first electrode of the previous element; and (g) isolation regions sepg. the second electrodes.    The device is mfd. by (i) forming a transparent conductive layer on the insulating surface of the substrate; (ii) laser scanning to form n-1 grooves sepg. n electrodes; (iii) forming the semiconductor laminate layer; (iv) laser scanning to form n-1 grooves sepg. n elements and exposing the first electrodes; (v) forming the layered second electrode layer; and (vi) laser scanning to form isolating grooves sepg. n second electrodes.    ADVANTAGES -   The conductive metal oxide of the second electrode is chemically stable in contact with the semiconductor, to provide and maintain good high photoelectric conversion efficiency and no deterioration of characteristics over a long period.
Amorphous Si contains up to 10 atomic % H and 0.2-2 atomic % F.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. is esp. useful for various semiconductor elements esp. solar cells etc. By including up to 10 atomic % H and 0.2-2 atomic % F, amorphous silicon with reduced Staebler-Wronski effect is obtd.
Process comprises applying DC voltage to a substrate (which has electrical conductivity) when an amorphous silicon membrane is formed on the substrate. The amorphous Si membrane is pref. a membrane for a photovolatic element, and the membrane is pref. formed by plasma CVD or sputtering.    An amorphous Si membrane whose photo energy gaps are freely controlled is obtd. without lowering the photo and electric conductivity of the membrane.
The turbine uses a set of movable blades held on a rotating framework. The axis of rotation of this framework is at right angles to the direction of flow.    There is a central shaft carrying rotating support arms on bearings, together with fixed cam tracks. Cams attached to the blades move in these tracks. The turbine may have a horizontal or vertical axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Positive control of the attitude of the blades is achieved, thus enabling the blades to be held at their optimum angle for the max. length of time, thus maximising the power obtained from a turbine of a given size.
The solar cells are carried on a rectangular frame which is tilted about a horizontal beam . The frame has a hollow rectangular section which provides support and protection for the electric cables . A support beam is pivoted from a bracket mounted at the end of a cross arm of a 'T' shaped support pylon which is fixed in the ground.    ADVANTAGE -   The supports reduce the civil works required in levelling the site, even on sloping terrain, permit equal spacing of the supports, reducing the number of supports required and standardising the fitting of panels, and provides protection for the electric cables carrying power from the panels to the power cables carrying power away to user loads.
A photovoltaic battery comprises (a) a substrate having a number of spaced alternately interdigited conductive layers (32, 38, 50-53 formed on its surface; (b) a set of discrete first type semiconductor bodies (30) positioned on one side of each conductive layer, contg. first and second type regions defining a pn junction, with the first-type region contacting the conductors; (c) a second set of discrete second type semi-conductor bodies (36) positioned on the opposite side of each conductive layer, contg. first and second type regions defining a pn junction, with the second type region contacting the conductor; and (d) a number of transparent conductive layers (44, 45) over-lying the sets of discrete semiconductor bodies, electrically interconnecting the second type regions of the first bodies and first type regions of the second bodies, so photons impinging on the bodies generate a voltage between adjacent ones of the lower conductors.    The batteries, useful as solar panels are readily constructed and requir no electrolyte.
The concentrator comprises at least one row of arrays each including spaced adjacent modules, interconnected and rotatably supported as a unit. Each end of each array is connected for supporting the array and allowing controlled rotation. Each module (14) is cylindrical with a semi-cylindrical housing (16) and transparent semi-cylindrical cover (20).    In each module is at least one parabolic reflector panel (22) secured to the housing with each end extending a given distance into the space between modules. A unit (24) is mounted within each cover and optically aligned to receive concentrated solar energy and convert it into electrical power. Each cover is pref. of thin acrylic resin sheet, and reflector panels are secured to a moulded foam frame.    The arrangement eliminates the problem of shadowing.
The system uses a dam (1) retaining water provided either by tides or by a river. The water flows through a pipe from the dam to a turbine (3) which uses the energy available to generate electricity.    In order to increase the amount of energy available, a wind vane (4) mounted at the top of the dam is linked to a chain (5) with buckets attached. When the wind vane is driven the buckets are lifted for returning water to the reservoir of water behind the dam. The electrical energy produced by the turbine driven generators is increased.
Large area photovoltaic cell comprising a matrix of isolated, small area segments each having a conductive common substrate, a semiconductor body and a transparent conductive coating, includes a pattern (24) of insulating material on the semiconductor body (12a-c) which divides the large area cell (10) into a matrix of small area segments. The thickness of (24) is greater than the thickness of the transparent conductive coating (22) such that the insulating material separates and isolates the small area segments. Pref. pattern (24) is 25 micron thick and is made of an Si paste. The pattern pref. also covers the borders of the cell which are pref. 3-19 mm. wide.    Used in prodn. of stacked p-i-n cells or Schottky or MIS type cells. Prodn. of the cell can be by batch or continuous strip process and the method eliminates the need for the scribing steps of the prior art.
Semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor layer of amorphous Si formed on a substrate, and a transparent conductive layer formed by interfacial reaction between the Si and a metal film formed on the Si. Metal film is pref. Cr, Mo, W, Ti, V, Zr, Nb, Ta, Hf, Ni, Pd, Co, Pt and Rh.    Used esp. in solar cell structures, photodiodes, solid state imaging devices, etc. Method simplifies the formation of the device transparent electrode, e.g. compared to formation of an ITO electrode.
The appts. comprises at least one inner solar energy collecting surface for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy into electrical energy. The lower end of the inner collecting surface is pivotally mounted to the front of the main base such that the collecting surface is free to pivot about the mounting axis between about 0 and about 90 degrees above the horizontal.    At least one inner support member for each inner collecting surface, the inner support member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the inner support member is pivotally connected in proximity to the upper end of the inner collecting surface. The second end of the inner support member is connected to the main base such that the inner collecting may be positioned at any angle between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees above the horizontal plane.
The device has a number of hydrofoils or aerofoils attached to one or more endless belts that run around two or more fixed pivot points. The power is extracted from the motion of the belts, or alternatively from the rotary motion at one or more of the pivot points. The hydrofoils or aerofoils are symmetric or nearly so, and are placed with their chords parallel to, or nearly parallel to, the direction of travel of the belts.    The belts are lightweight members in tension. The contact between the belts and any fixed reference points such as footings in the ground, or the bed of the water channel, or devices anchored in the water channel, is via the axes at the pivot points (or via occasional belt-guiding structure) and not via fixed trackways or similar structures. The device may be used for watermills, windmills, or water or wind turbines.
The device has a number of sails attached to one or more endless belts that run around two or more fixed pivot points. The power is extracted from the motion of the belts, or alternatively from the rotary motion at one or more of the pivot points. The sails are flexible and the belts are lightweight members in tension.    The contact between the belts and any fixed reference points such as footings in the ground, or the bed of the water channel, or devices anchored in the water channel, is via the axes at the pivot points (or via occasional belt-guiding structures) and not via fixed trackways or similar structures. The device may be used for windmills, watermills, or wind or water turbines.
Parallel cylindrical bars (7) are mounted with their axes horizontal in a frame (4,5) which is itself then mounted in a stream of flowing liquid so that the cylinder axes lie transverse to the flow. The centres of the bars in one row are staggered relative to those in an adjacent row. The movement of the stream over the cylinders causes the frame to oscillate, under elastic restraint, in a third direction which lies normal both to the flow and to the cylinder axes.    The oscillations drive an energy converter such as an electrical generator (17). The restrainer provides a restoring force which increases with departure of a cage from the mid-point of its oscillation.
Photoelectric conversion device consists of semiconductor elements U(l) to U(n) formed on a substrate with an insulating surface. The element U(j) has a first electrode E(j), a non-single-crystal semiconductor laminate member Q(j) and a second electrode F(j). Second electrode F(j+1) makes contact with first electrode E(j) through a coupling portion K(j) formed by an extension of electrode F(j+1).    E(j) has a conductive first metal oxide layer and F(j) and K(j) have a conductive second metal oxide layer, the metal oxide of K(j) being coupled with the metal oxide of E(j).    Use of conductive metal oxides stabilises the contact resistance between K(j) and E(j) and so maintains high device conversion efficiency over long periods.
The strip has a large area web of substrate material upon which several semiconductor layers are deposited. On top of the semiconductor layers a transparent, conductive coating of high electrical conductivity and high light transmissivity is deposited. The surface area of the semiconductor layers of a solar cell material (10) is divided into several electrically isolated segments (26).    The isolated segments are formed by discrete portions of the transparent, conductive coating. A grid pattern (24) is laid over the coating which has had a photoresist solution applied and preheated to leave a thin film as residue. An electrically-insulating, continuous, protective covering encapsulates the solar cells to form either a modularised roll or stack. The cells are used as roof top installations.
Guide vanes (1) vary the angle of attack of water to a runner on a shaft. A guide ring (31) is rotatable about the shaft by a servomotor (13). The servomotor has a reciprocable drive rod connected to one journal of a crank (30), the other journal being connected to the ring (31). For each vane (1) there is a crank having a pin (32) connected to the ring (31).    Each crank has its other pin connected to a lever (33) attached to the vane (1). Operation of the servomotor turns the ring (31) to adjust all the vanes (1) together. Pref. each of the cranks consists of two cylindrical columns connected directly together in mutually eccentric relationship. Alternatively, each crank has a crank web. The guide ring and the servomotor clearance are relatively small.
The water turbine has a vertical-axis wheel (4) behind guide vanes. A setting device sets the effective exit cross-section of the wheel. The guide vanes (10,11) lie above the wheel. A cone is connected to the cylindrical casing (1) (which is concentric with the wheel) near the exit cross-section and opens in the direction of flow.    The wheel has a cylindrical hub (62) that becomes a compression cone (70) opening in the direction of flow near the exit cross-section. The casing cone (7) can be moved axially relative to the compression cone so that its downstream edge (61) can be set between the two edges of the casing cone.
Appts. comprises device for forming a single-dimensional mesh of with a conductive bus and depositing a transparent plate onto the mesh; means for bringing a front surface of a semiconductor wafer into contact with the plate and the mesh; and means for electrostatically bonding the plate and wafer together with the mesh encapsulated between them.    Pref. appts. also includes a device for heating and softening the surface of the plate so that the mesh is pressed into it.    Appts. provides an effective and low cost and is pref. automatic and conveyorised.
The turbine is carried on a horizontal axis and is cylindrical in form with radially projecting cupped blades. A duct (1) directs flow onto the rotor (5) blades (3,4) which derive kinetic energy from the flow. The fluid is directed diametrically through the rotor in passages connecting diametrically opposite pairs of blades.    The open sides of the diametrically opposite blades are opposite with the one blade open upward and the opposite blade downward. The exhaust fluid is therefore ejected in a parallel direction to its incident direction. The rotor shaft may be coupled to an electric generator or a heat pump to obtain useful work output.
Process permits formation at 300 deg.C or less by photodecomposition of a higher order silane with the formula Si(n)H2(n+2) (n=2 or larger integer), pref. a silane with 2-6 Si atoms, by irradiation with light with a wavelength of not more than 300 nm, pref. 200-300 nm ultraviolet (UV) light, or better far UV light with a wavelength of 200 nm or less, at atmospheric pressure or higher, pref. at 2 kg/cm2.G.    In an example, feed gas diluted with He and contg. 10% Si2H6 was supplied at 500 cc/min. into a 40 mm dia. x 600 mm long quartz tube together with carrier N2 at 2 l/min., and decomposition and deposition were effected for 30 min. at 100 deg.C and 0.5 kg/cm2.G by 10 mW/cm2 irradiation by a low pressure Hg lamp. 60% of the light radiated by the lamp was 254 nm UV light and 30% was light with a wavelength of 185 nm.
The device uses the slow displacement of fluids such as water or air. The device consists of paddles (2) fixed to an endless belt (3). The paddles (2) have blades inclined to catch the slow flowing fluid which forces the paddles (2) to move in a straight line resulting in the hub (5) of wheels (4) to rotate by the displacement of an endless belt (3). The rotation of the wheels (4) is then transformed into energy.    The device may be used to recover the energy of tidal waters and may form a dam where paddles (2) and endless belt (3) are displaced by the tidal water flow.
The device acts as the coupling between the input shaft exhibiting the irregular rotation and an output shaft which is stabilised via a flywheel. The output shaft is coupled to a crank mechanism, while the input shaft is coupled to a cam mechanism.    The cam shaft drives a reciprocating thrust rod engaging the connecting rod of the crank mechanism via a spring coupling. The cam mechanism is selectively coupled to the input shaft in dependence on the delected position of the crank mechanism. The output shaft carries a rotor used to drive an electrical generator via a belt drive.
A pair of detachable beams are placed in the housing when the rotor is stationary so they extend through holes provided in the rotor above the shaft on which the rotor turns. The beams are mounted to the upper stay tower structure at their downstream end, and to the housing at their upstream end. An additional support may be used between the beams and the bottom of the housing at the upstream end of the beams.    Shoes which slidably engage the beam are placed between the beam and the rotor to support the rotor. Pref. the shoes include a hydraulically operated piston which can be extended to ensure positive engagement with the beam. The rotor has an inner ring which is bolted to a driving disc on the shaft. The bolts are removed and a hydraulic jack is used to slide the rotor outwards along the beams clear of the stator.
Building has, arranged in several rows, horizontal water ducts (1) with hydroelectric generating sets (2), turbine shafts (4), an engine room (5) and ancillary premises.    In order to increase the amount of electric energy generated by increasing the number of hydroelectric generating sets (2) along the same pressure front, the water ducts (1) are arranged in chequer board array up the height of the pressure front, and over each upper paired tier of water ducts (1) there is an engine room (5) into which the turbine shafts (4) are brought out from the lower tier of water ducts (1) positioned one or more pairs away down the height of the pressure front.    This construction makes fuller use of the area of transverse section of the channels by concentrating the hydroelectric generating sets (2) on a short pressure front. Bul.32/ 30.8.83.
The device captures more energy than it uses, and comprises an empty round casing, immersed in water in a basin of stable concrete. There is extra reinforcement in the lower part of the basin, and there is a facility for issuing muddy water through hatches for mud collection in compartments.    The plant itself is of stainless steel, and is driven by an electric motor via chains on both sides. Hatches in the plant centre are opened under the weight of incoming water, and are closed by springs. They are held closed by magnets and water pressure in the basin until a situation arises where they can open again and provide rotation force to a propellor. This causes the energy to be doubled through water dropping continuously through the empty compartment of the plant. (Provisional Basic advised week 84/16)
The turbine uses continuous vertical chains with variable orientation blades carried transversely along the length of the chains. A rectangular housing encloses the chains and their sprocket wheels and can be orientated so the blade surface faces the oncoming fluid.    Chain sprocket wheels (30) are mounted on horizontal axes, one vertically above the other, so that the long span of the chain is vertical. Horizontally mounted blades (1) are supported at each end by a chain. In the space between the two vertical planes in which the chains run, fixed deflectors (39) guide the fluid flow so that after spilling from the first set of blades it is correctly angled to transfer energy to the blades on the opposite side. An electric generator is driven by one of the chain wheels.
The apparatus includes at least two sunlight electric generating devices, and a light intensity detector for producing an output signal in response to the intensity of incident sunlight. A comparator compares an output signal level of the light intensity detector with a reference level, and a switch automatically switches the connection of the generating devices in accordance with an output signal of the comparator.    The connection of the generating devices is switched between series and parallel connections, respectively, as the output signal level of the light intensity detector becomes higher or lower than t the reference level. Thus, output electric power from the generating devices is efficiently supplied to a desired electric load in accordance with the intensity of insolation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For powering vehicle instrumentation or a regulator. Does not require external power supply. (First major country equivalent to J59062927)
The low or medium head hydro-electric generation installation converts the energy of flowing water or of the waves to electric energy. Vertically mobile floats rising and falling in cylinders exercise a tractive force on cables and chains which impart an alternating movement to ratchet wheels alternately driving the fly wheel and the alternator. Counterweights or springs, acting on the transmission belts, actuate water control valves.    When the floats reach their limit of travel a valve is opened to transfer water from the cylinder at a higher level with its float at the top of its travel, to the lower level cylinder with the float at the lower extremity of its travel.
The water wheel has a horizontal shaft and toothed gear transmission. The river bed is narrowered to a fraction of its width, by a wall. Two similar water wheels are suspended from the other end of the wall, and connected via transmissions to generators.    The wall may be inclined or pivoted about a connection point on the bank, or about its edge. The wall may contain raiseable gates, to render one of the wheels inactive, thereby ensuring operation even at low water levels, esp. in summer. The transmission, drive gear and the shaft, may be located on a turnable, lockable board.
The solar generator is intended for satellite and has an electric connection (3) between its cell panels (1,2). Between the appropriate ends the connection is spirally coiled and secured to the panels. Prior to assembly the ends of the electric connection are pref. offset by approximately 90 deg.    The spiral is typically formed by a wound wire mesh. Alternately a wire bracket can be similarly wound. In its first angular range of the panel unfolding path, the connection supports the unfolding movement from 0 to 90 deg. The second angular range is used for full unfolding, i.e. from 90 to 180 deg. Thus the final unfolding movement is damped by the wire mesh etc. In this way half impacts are excluded and the panel cell service life extended.
The interconnected solar cells of the solar detector are laid between melt adhesive foils and provided on either side with protective covers. Then this assembly is subject to a temp. and pressure treatment. In the edge region of the assembly is inserted a melt adhesive foil of the same thickness as the solar cells. Round the assembly is mounted a close ring of elastic material, whose lids abut the protective covers while enclosing a cavity about the edges.    The cavity is evacuated via a suction branch under simultaneous fastening by an external pressure. Then the assembly is subject to a heat treatment at a preset velocity and temp. Pref. the assembly is connected to an annular vacuum system of an endless conveyor belt. After passing through a furnace, the assembly is given a heat treatment at a higher temp. in an autoclave.
The simulator includes devices for simulating operational conditions of the turbine and circuits for transforming the operational conditions into normalised signal values. Second circuits receive the normalised signals and produce outputs in accordance with transfer functions. Each second circuit receives at least one normalised signal to produce an output representing an intermediate value. Third circuits receive the intermediate values and produce an output representative of the operational conditions of the turbine.    The operational conditions represent the opening of a sluice valve controlling water flow into the turbine and the flow of water inside the turbine. The transfer functions take into consideration the non-linearities of the turbine operation. Each transfer function represents an equation of turbine operation and receives an input value while keeping the other conditions constant.
The system comprises a reservoir and an impulse turbine below the reservoir. The turbine includes an impeller, a conduit extending downwardly from the reservoir to the turbine to conduct the water from the reservoir to the turbine using gravitational fall. The impeller is coaxially connected to a first generator which produces electricity. A sump is provided for recovery of energy expanded water as it exits the impeller. A second conduit connects the turbine with the sump to conduct water to the sump in preparation for recovery. A third conduit connects the sump to the reservoir with an intermediate pump.    The pump is powered by an electric motor. A prime mover e.g. IC engine actuates a second generator. A switch selectively applies the electricity produced to the grid network. A second switch selectively couples the electric motor to the network or to the second generator. The motor can be operated by the network or the prime mover.
The cells include a number of electrically isolated, small area segments sharing a common substrate. A semiconductor body is positioned on top of the substrate and a transparent, conductive coating is positioned on top of the semiconductor body. Electrical access to the substrate is provided either by one or more electrically conductive rivets or by one or more exposed sections to the substrate. The cell is encapsulated between protective coverings with only the connections to the electrodes extending from the cell.    The electrical interconnections include an electrically-conductive strip interconnecting the small area segments of each large area to provide a first electrode of that cell. Access to the substrate from the layered surface of each large are cell provides the second electrode of that cell. The electrodes may be electrically-interconnected in series or parallel.
The array includes a number of spaced lower electrodes on a surface of the substrate and a semiconductor layer comprising amorphous silicon cover over the lower electrodes and the surface of the substrate between the electrodes. Spaced upper electrodes are located on the upper surface of the semiconductor layer with each upper electrode overlying one of the lower electrodes to form a solar cell.    Interelectrodes electrically connect the upper electrode of one solar cell to the lower electrode of the next adjacent solar cell. The interelectrodes comprise a metal stripe contacting the upper electrode and include a portion spiked completely through the semiconductor layer and contacting the lower electrode of the adjacent cell. The upper electrode of each cell has a portion which overlies a portion of the lower electrode of the adjacent cell. The metal stripe extends along and contacts the portion of the upper electrode.
Thin film semiconductor device having enhanced optical absorption is made by: abrading a substrate surface with a particle jet; and depositing on it a thin film semiconductor layer so that it is optically coupled to the abraded surface. Pref. abrading particles have a size 1-100 micron.    The thin film is pref. deposited by sputtering, plasma deposition, chemical vapour deposition or glow discharge; an intermediate transparent conductive layer may be included and an antireflective coating may be deposited on the semiconductor film. A specific semiconductor material is amorphous Si.    Used in prepn. of devices for solar cells, photodetectors, photoreceptors, vidicon targets etc. Abraded substrate traps the light inside the film by scattering, thus enhancing absorption.
The fluid-driven pump directly converts fluid kinetic energy into displacement of a second fluid against a pressure differential. A wind turbine is coupled via a rotary shaft crank to a reciprocating piston in a large-displacement, double-acting compressor cylinder. In a preferred mode, a refrigerant gas is compressed to accomplish heat pumping and refrigeration.    Timed compression-relief valving controls the time that the wind turbine is coupled to the fluid load to maintain maximum power transfer within useful operating limits of source and load. An electronic control circuit senses selected parameters to compute the desired duty cycle and provide an energizing signal to a pair of solenoid relief valves such that the optimum duty cycle is selected for maximum power transfer. The system is applicable to a wind or water turbine.
In each blade at least part of the flow dividing edge (220) and a portion of the suction surface (222) adjacent the edge (220) slope rearwardly w.r.t. the direction of rotation of the runner. A portion of the surface (222) is visible when the blade is viewed in an axial direction looking towards the outlet end away from the crown. The mounting end (226) at the runner crown trails that portion of the surface (222) w.r.t. the direction of rotation.    A conventional blade's dividing edge (20) slopes forwardly and the outer edge of the blade at the mounting end (226) leads the remainder of the blade. The system allows rotor speed to be reduced by 3% before leading edge caVitation.
The buckets become captive in the load position at the top of the wheel, providing for controlled filling characteristics and at the bottom of the wheel providing for controlled discharge of the water. The orifice between the overlying water basin and the buckets is subject to two control functions; it is closed when no bucket is present for loading the water head to which it is subjected is variable for speed and power control. The closure of the orifice is accomplished by water seals.    The power output is delivered through the main shaft supporting the wheel and buckets through the optional use of conventional methods of coupling. The dumping of the spent water load at the bottom of the wheel employs a rack and pinion device to provide for the total discharge of the water from the drum-shaped buckets. The unloaded drum returns a part of the energy required for dumping to the system as it returns to original centre of gravity attitude.
Each cell unit has a group of series-connected solar cells connected in parallel and/or series with reverse-polarity protective diodes. The diodes are obtained by using solar cell structures of the same general type as the solar cells formed on a substrate. Each solar cell structure includes a first, intermediate layer and second conductive layer. The two conductive layers are of light transmissive materials. Each silicon layer includes a rectifying junction arrangement for providing photoelectric conversion.    The protective diodes make use of the rectifying property of the junction to act either as by-pass elements or as blocking elements. While normally used in combination, only the series or parallel-connected diodes may be provided in the unit. The units, which are usually connected in a matrix arrangement, are connected only in cascade or nylon in parallel respectively.
System has high pressure air receiver and auxiliary slide valve with electromagnet and spring to prevent oil flow to the water ducts by using air as the operational medium in the wheel servo motor.    With change in operational mode w.r.t. the shaft rotation frequency, the tacho-generator acts on the booster slide valve which feeds a pulse to displace the distributor slide valve. Oil is fed to the input of the latter under pressure from the oil head (3). Slide valve (2) is then displaced to pass oil under pressure to the servo motor (4) to change the degree of opening of the guide (5) and simultaneously change the position of the spacer combiner (6) cam and that of the distributor slide valve (2). This returns the latter via the feedback loop to the neutral position. Cam (6) generates a signal which displaces the operation wheel slide valve (7) piston. Compressed air is fed from receiver (10) to the input of slide valve (7). Slide valve (7) then allows compressed air access to the servo motor (8) which changes the spatial position of the wheel blade (9) and simultaneously via the feedback loop returns slide valve (7) to the neutral initial position. Bul.24/30.6.83.
The energy conversion device derives energy from stored or moving water, converting the energy into rotational motion which can be used to generate an electric current. The energy converter uses two cylinders (1,2) each containing a sliding piston which is sealed where it slides on the cylinder walls.    The two cylinders are mounted diametrically opposite each other on a centrally pivoted frame and are connected through valves so that the water is supplied to the higher of the two cylinders, causing displacement of the piston which transfers water to the opposite cylinder. An oscillatory motion of the support frame results, and is converted to rotary motion by a ratchet and pawl mechanism.
The hydro generating unit, when positioned favourably with respect to a water flow of sufficient intensity, enables power to be generated without impeding the migration of fish and without requiring major site works. It can be fabricated totally in a factory.    The assembly consists of floats joined by steel plate and a protecting grating. Moving blades are placed between the floats and maintained at right angles to the water flow by means of dynamometer springs which regulate the water pressure. These blades mounted on two chain drives drive two notched wheels that in turn drive two kinetic wheels, a speed gear box and an alternator via solidly coupled shafts.
A solar battery with amorphous silicon consists of a metal foil as the substrate on which an integral insulating layer has been formed. The metal foil can be made of stainless steel, aluminium or iron, and the insulating layer of amorphous silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon carbide or silicon. At least one module, containing amorphous silicon, is produced on the insulating layer to act as an opto-electronic transducer.    This creates a flexible solar battery which can e.g. be fitted to the roof of a motor car, without spelling, physical deterioration or diffusion of foreign particles in the thin film of amorphous silicon.
Plastic foil-strip pref. consists of polyimide, polymerised polyparabanic acid or polyamide. Conductor tracks are applied on the semiconductor disc and support.    Specifically the solar cell is produced by placing the semiconductor disc, (6) after its last tempering above 300 deg. C, between 2 plastic strips (1, 2) bonded with adhesive (3) or heat-sealed. The strips have apertures (4, 5) shaped so that the front- and reverse of the semi-conductor disc are exposed and only its edge is covered by the foil-strip. The apertures are circular on using a circular semi-conductor disc and square with a square disc. The top-side of the disc, exposed to sunshine, and the top-side of the bonded foil (I) are vapour-plated with metal by screen-printing, through mask (7), to form conductor tracks (9) on disc and (10) on foil (1). The reverse side of disc (6) and the exposed top-side of foil (2) are vapour-plated with the same metal to form metal layer (11), over the whole surface. Layers (9, 10 and 11) can be reinforced by passing through a soldering bath. The metal can consist of CrNi-Ni or CrNiCu.    Automatic wiring of solar cells can be achieved. The hazard of breakage is reduced. Wide, flexible connections are obtd. which can be assembled automatically.
The hydro-turbine device includes a frame mounted in a channel through which water flows. The frame mounts a horizontal shaft carrying a turbine wheel having spaced end plates between which extend a number of arcuate vanes. A cover is mounted over the rear of the turbine wheel, and carries an extension on the front that has an arcuate scoop mounted on its under side.    The arcuate scoop is arranged to capture water flowing toward the turbine wheel and direct it centrally against the concave rear faces of the vanes, so as to effect maximum energy removal from the water. The cover is positioned and arranged to enhance aspirator action for efficiently removing spent water from the turbine wheel. The turbine is suitable for domestic applications.
Cadmium sulphide photosensitive layer is obtd. by atomisation of a 0.01-0.06 mole/l. soln. of cadmium chloride and thiourea in amts. of 0.057g. and 0.019g. in 25ml. alcohol each, onto a hot dielectric substrate such as glass, so as to coat it with a monodisperse aerosol. The photosensitivity is higher and the layer more transparent than the previous layer obtd. by reactive atomisation of the soln. onto a substrate at 200 dag. The layer thickness can be varied from 0.1 to 0.5 micro m., depending on the soln. concn. and the time of atomisation, which can be 2-12 min. The layer has hexagonal crystal structure, and is strong, with good adhesion to the substrate. The dark conductivity is 10 power -8 to 10 power -10 ohm. cm., the optical transparency for long waves of above 520 nm. is not less than 70%, and the multiplicity factor of the photocurrent on illumination with 200 lux is 10 power 7.    The glass substrate, at 450 deg., was placed below an electrode having a 0.1 mm. coaxial capillary for feed of the soln. A voltage of 3 kv. was applied between the heater and the electrode and 6 kv. between the heater and the capillary, and the soln. was atomised as an aerosol with droplet dia. 50 micro m. A 0.1 micro m. layer could be applied in 12 min., and 50 ml. of soln. was capable of coating 14 plates. Bul. 36/30.9.83.
The installation comprises two parallel shafts spaced apart, on which are fitted chain wheels with endless roller chains running around them. The chains are coupled crossways over pivot axes movable in bearing housings. These housings are attached to control components.    The control components have in the same plane and adjusted at right-angles to the pivot axis, two arms with an angle of 60 degrees between them. On the arms are scoops attached along one edge, and both arms and the pivot axis have at their tops running pulleys. Crossways to the two main shafts, and on both sides of the installation, are three profiled guide grooves, in the apertures of which run uninterruptedly three pulleys for manoeuvring the scoops. (Provisional Basic advised week 84/02) /5
The vane is closely runningly fitted, between parallel side walls and curved top and bottom walls, executing a longitudinally moving line contact with the curved walls in conjunction with irrotational, purely linear, fluid flow. Flow is combined fluidynamic fan effect and positive displacement. The displacement portion is increased when two such mechanisms are assembled tandemly, in series, with the vanes piano-hinged together.    The four walls form a duct, the ends of which may be ported or valved. The duct may also be closed at its ends to constitute a chamber, allowing the mechanism to serve as a closed cycle regenerative gas engine. The mechanism provides inter conversion of fluid and mechanical energy for ship propulsion, of hydro-electric and wind power, gas compression and evacuation cryogenic machines, and steam and compressed air turbines.
Generator efficiency is improved by the body having pipes mounted coaxially on the drum side containing pivoting gates in opposite branches of the transporter. The flow of water moving from left to right    enters pipe (4) closing gate (6) and is directed to the transporter open side to drive drums (3) anticlockwise. Gate (7) is open at this time. On reversal of water flow gate (7) closes and gate (6) opens admitting the water flow to the other side of the transporter again driving the drum anticlockwise. Bul.20/15.5.83
Motor drive is provided by system of blades assembled on the periphery of rotor placed inside casing with top inlet duct designed to admit air, wind or water on the max. area of the rotating blades. The outlet duct is located opposite to the casing inlet.    The blades are coupled by means of spindles to lateral rings sliding on rollers which run in grooves provided in the sides of casing. The rotor shaft is coupled via a pinion thereby transmitting the rotation to a transmission shaft. By placing the device in a nozzle and by using a series of movable mirrors, a hot air current can be produced for driving and heating applications.
Module has a sheet metal substrate (14) with flat rectangular central area with an upward peripheral flange and a downward peripheral flange from at least two opposed edges. Solar cells (20) are located on a sheet of potting material (34) on the substrate surface and are covered by a second potting material sheet.    A transparent upper layer (24) covers the second potting material sheet and terminals extend through the substrate. The upward flanges are pref. as high as the sum of layer thicknesses, and the potting material sheets are fused together and fill all spaces to form a weatherproof seal around the module edges The potting material is pref. ethylene-methylacrylate and there are one or more polyvinylfluoride or polyethyleneterephthalate high-voltage insulation layers (36) between substrate upper surface and first potting material sheet.
Materials(a) are free from dislocations and, during the addn. of dopants(b), at least one other material(c) is added. Material(c) has no electrical effect on the semiconductor(a), but at least partly compensates the lattice stresses created in the semiconductor(a) by dopant(b). Material(c) is pref. added during the mfr. of poly Si(a) by CVD using SiHCl3 or SiCl4 in H2 employed as a carrier gas, the Si being deposited on an Si substrate heated by electrical resistance.    Alternatively, materials(a,b,c) are placed in a crucible and a highly doped rod(a,b,c) is made by the Czochralski process. Another pref. alternative is to diffuse materials(b,c) simultaneously into semiconductor wafers(a). For Si(a) doped with In(b), material(c) is pref. carbon; whereas for Si doped with Sb, material(c) is pref. C and/or oxygen.    Used in mfr. of optoelectronic devices, esp. infrared sensors consisting of Si doped with In; or solar cells. Lattice stresses in the Si caused by high dopant concn. create noise in the devices; and the invention minimises such noise.
Solar generator for large-scale installations consists of several solar cell modules which are connected in series or parallel to two bus bars. The whole assembly is encapsulated in a lamination operation e.g. in glass fibre reinforced plastic material to a width to suit the available plant. After solidification, solar generators are cut off to a length equal to the desired multiple of one encapsulated module.    Arrangement facilitates the continuous mfr. of a solar generator of any desired length.
The vaned rotator or rotators transmit energy either directly or for the generation and/or storage of electricity. The rotor turns on special bearing mechanisms on a fixed axle fitted on an undercarriage structure which can be either fixed or moveable. The energy transmitting mechanism is inside the undercarriage structure.    The bearing mechanism comprises an axle fixture to take ring or ball bearings. Enclosing circular energy transmitting discs are flanged at right angles and positioned by the adjustment of connecting rods with distance sleeves and or springs.
The appts. includes a round or square container divided vertically into two compartments. A chain of buckets is arranged to descend through one of the compartments with the buckets upright, and ascend through the other with the buckets inverted. Two slide rails guide the buckets. One of the compartments contains ordinary water, while the other contains water with an additive to reduce its density. The buckets, which receive water also contain a certain fixed ballast.    When the buckets hold water and ballast, they are slightly denser than the ordinary water, and descend through it. Once inverted, with air trapped underneath them, the buckets are less dense than the water mix, and rise. The system may be used to derive energy from a slow flowing water supply e.g. in rivers or streams, and also from sea waves.
Water in a runner chamber of the water wheel or the pump water wheel is pushed down below a runner by supplying compressed air to cause a runner to race. When the operation of the water wheel or the pump water wheel is switched from an idling or racing operation of the runner to a generation mode, the characteristics of the water wheel or the pump water wheel and/or a power system are monitored and the monitored characteristics are compared with predetermined values.    Based on the compare result, the operation is switched to the generation mode with or without the disconnection of a motor generator coupled to the water wheel or the pump water wheel from the power system.
The assembly includes an electrode, for receiving a.c. power for maintaining a plasma region, and several electrically conductive plates closely spaced apart by less than a predetermined distance on one side of the electrode.    The assembly is esp. useful in an a.c. plasma system for making photovoltaic devices by deposition of several amorphous semiconductor materials onto a continuous conductive substrate. The plates preclude formation of a plasma region on one side of the electrode and provide several series capacitances to present reduced input capacitance to an associated tuning network.
The system generating energy from wind or water currents can effectively reverse the principle, i.e. induce water flow or an airstream. It uses resistance surfaces, turnably mounted in a multi-armed rotor. During turning of the rotor, the surfaces are continuously adjusted in a ratio of 2:1, via a gear on the stationary rotor axis, a gear of double the size on the stationary surface axis, and a connecting chain.    On one side of the chain, a surface at right angles to the flow forms such a high resistance, causing it to be turned away. On the other side, a similar surface extends in the direction of flow, and forms no resistance.
The solar energy convertor uses a number of flat photovoltaic panels having solar collecting front sides. These panels are supported for simultaneous rotation about a given axis, pref. a horizontal or south sloping axis, while their solar collecting front sides face the same direction. At the same time, these front sides are maintained in end-to-end relationship with one another within a common plane, pref. one which is at all times parallel with the axis of rotation.    In operation, the panels are simultaneously rotated about their given axis in tracking relationship with the sun, pref. so as to maintain the solar collecting front sides of the panels at a fixed acute angle w.r.t. the rays of the sun. The panels are pref. supported adjacent to one another in a way which minimizes the distance between endmost panels.
The array is mfd. by (a) forming a series of conductive lower electrodes (16) on an insulating substrate; (b) forming a semiconductor layer (22) on electrodes and substrate; (c) forming conductive upper electrodes (24) on the semiconductor surface; and (d) forming conductive connections (26) between one upper electrode of one cell and the lower electrode of another cell by causing spiking of metal stripes applied over the lower electrodes. The spiking is pref. caused by heating a series of metal stripes (20) deposited on the surface of the lower electrodes to cause them to spike through the semiconductor layer. Deposition is after (a).    Provides interconnections in an inexpensive automatic process.
The energy is recovered from waves, wind, rivers by a turbine wheel (8) driving chains (22,25) fitted with projecting bars (9) which raise a mass (34) carried at the head of a rack gear (33). When the mass has been raised to its full height, the attachment (10) to the bars (9) on the chain is automatically released (11,12), allowing the mass to fall, displacing the rack downwards, and causing pinion wheels (35) meshed with the rack to rotate.    The pinion wheels can be used to drive electric generator or compressors to convert the mechanical energy to a more convenient form.
By dropping water from an elevated pump storage reservoir, hydro-electric energy is created which drives compressors producing compressed air. The water is led to and through several receiving tanks consecutively. At the same time air from other sources (e.g. windmill, geothermal steam etc.) feed air through lines in order to combine forces with the compressed air generated to raise the water up and beyond the surface of the water in the reservoir. When this water is returned to the reservoir, it creates power to be used for public consumption.    The water returned above the elevated pump storage reservoir is not pushed by the air until it reaches an elevated level in each of the receiving tanks. This is insured by uptake pipes to be outlined later in a more detailed way in the application and self-closing check valves. The elevated level in each of the receiving tanks allows for greater power generation in order that the air compressors generate enough pressure, combined with the other sources of air in order to be able to lift the substance to that height and to repeat the same performance over and over again.
Thermal treatment of semiconductor powders at pressures of 100 to 10 exp. 6 (1000 to 2 x 10 exp. 5) Pa, esp. normal pressure, is carried out (a) at the b.pt. of Cd at the pressure employed +- 100 deg.C for CdS, CdSe, CdTe, CdS(1-x)Sex, CdS(1-x)Tex, CdSe(1-x)Tex, Cd(1-x)ZnxS, Cd(1-y)Ag2yS or Cd(1-y)CuyS in the presence of H2S, H2Se, H2Te and/or CS2, opt. mixed with inert gases and/or up to 50 vol.% O2 or in the presence of a mixt. of inert gases and up to 50 vol.% O2; or (b) at the b.pt. of Zn at the pressure employed +- 150 deg.C for ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnS(1-x)Sex, ZnS(1-x)Tex, ZnSe(1-x)Tex, Zn(1-y)Ag2yS or Zn(1-6)CuyS in the presence of H2S, H2Se, HsTe and/or CS2, opt. mixed with inert gases or up to 50 vol.% O2. In the formulae, x= 0.01-0.99 (0.01-0.4) and y= 0.0001-0.20 (0.001-0.2).    The treated powder has improved photoredox properties and is suitable for use in photodiodes, synthetic photogalvanic or photoelectrolytic cells or for the prodn. of H2 by heterogeneous photoredox catalysis.
The rotor shaft is supported conventionally in upper and lower hydrodynamic bearings, fixed respectively to the top flange and inlet elbow. The seal conventionally situated above the lower bearing to ensure watertightness between the inlet elbow and shaft is superseded by a hydrostatic bearing whose pockets are supplied with water from the high-pressure pipe via channels.    In very-high-pressure systems a flow regulator comprising a diaphragm with calibrated orifice(s) may be followed by a filter for dirty water. The water emerging from the pockets forms a film all round the bearing surface. The effective distance between the bearings is minimised in a compromise with the shaft dia. and the angle of the internal cone of the elbow.
The wheel has eight radial paddles (3) mounted on an axle (2). The ends of the axle are supported by bearings in a fixed frame (1). The wheel is coupled to an electric generator or other energy convertor. In each paddle are three blades (8) each made from three flat (11) hinged together. One end of each blade pivots in the paddle and the other end is free.    When a paddle is above the axle, moving with the current water pressure holds the blades against stopping bars in line with the paddle, thus presenting resistance to the water flow and providing torque. When the paddle nears a horizontal position the current ''bends'' the blades, thanks to the plate hinging, and lifts the free ends of the blades out of the paddle so that the blades swing out at an angle to the paddle, providing minimal resistance as the paddle moves under the axle against the current.
The generator is the type adapted for extraction of power from moving fluid. Such generator comprises blade mounted on a rotatable shaft, stationary field device, and coils mounted on the shaft in juxtaposition to the field device. The shaft is mounted slidably and resiliently w.r.t. the field where the shaft moves axially in response to drag between the moving fluid and the blade to alter the juxtaposition of the field and the coils in response to changes in the drag.    Pref. the field is mounted on the rotatable shaft while the coil is held stationary in juxtaposition. The shaft is adapted to be movable servomechanically w.r.t. the field. The servomechanism being responsive to one or more parameters such as the velocity of the moving fluid, the angular velocity of the shaft, or the output voltage of the generator.
The system comprises a movable container which is mounted on a float to move up with the tide with reference to a coaxially enclosed fixed plunger, which comprises and forces a body of liquid in the movable container to overflow into a first trough adjacent its upper end.    The movable container is rigidly coupled to a movable plunger which depends coaxially into a fixed container, the plunger moving down with the tide to compress a body of liquid in the fixed container, causing it to overflow into a second trough adjacent its upper end. The two troughs are interconnected vertically through a gravity flow system, including a turbine which is constantly operated by the liquid falling from one or the other of the troughs, as the tide rises and falls. The turbine may be used to drive a generator or alternator.
The solar power source consists of panels of solar cells joined together without using cables and therefore replaceable without disconnecting and connecting cables. The solar cells (2) form a regular array in each panel (5) and each is located in its own pocket (2) in a flexible foldable bag (1) of insulating material.    Solder strips (3,4) connect each panel to connection strips (7,12) extending along the long edges of the bag and worked into the bag's material as flexible metal fabric. The connection strips connect the panels in series and/or parallel. Tapping points (6,6',13,14) along the edges of the bag give access to various voltages.
The spherical body has a part spherical support in one half carrying a set of solar cells, and the sun's rays pass through a window in the opposite half. Through the centre of the support passes a fluid supply tube horizontally in line with a collector tube passing through the window. A proportion of the rays passing through the window at different angles and past the collector tube, reaches the cells, and a proportion of the heat is also absorbed by the fluid circulating from one side to the other.    Heat absorbed by the wall of the sphere and also reflected from the interior is absorbed by the fluid which is circulated by a pumping system and which passes through a heat extraction circuit.
The hydraulic machine has a rotor and a hydraulic fluid circulator, setting the fluid in rotation and converting the rotational kinetic energy of the fluid, at high efficiency, to kinetic energy of the rotor.    The rotor has several nozzles to direct the hydraulic fluid towards the exterior away from the axis of the rotor into a fluid collector which is arranged to return the fluid at the interior axial extremity of the rotor. The rotor has several arms generally radial in direction, with transversely directed nozzles at the edge. The rotor arms pass close to a fluid circulator comprising a deflector which collects fluid from the rotor and guide plates returning the fluid.
The turbine system includes a flow conduit unit (2) having a runner housing (12) which defines a chamber (11), a flow intake (10) which directs fluid into the chamber, the runner housing having an upper narrow portion defining a vertical fluid discharge channel (13), and a valve (14) positioned beneath the narrow portion within the chamber for controlling the fluid discharge.    The system also includes a runner-generator unit (3) having a generator (4) and a fixed blade propeller turbine runner (7) which is at least partly surrounded by the vertical discharge channel (13). The vertical needle valve (14) and a near zero absolute velocity free exit flow design provides a system which eliminates the complex flow control adjustable vane system and elaborate tube design and construction of prior art systems.
The electrical system has a prime mover (16) during an electrical generator (10) connected to a consumer load (B) and an auxiliary load (14). A control system (11) has a sensor responsive to paramter(s) of the generation system. The loads are controlled to receive varying proportions of the generator output in response to the sensor or an external signal. In addition the power output of the prime mover is controlled, so that normally the auxiliary load receives nor or a minimum of power.    The prime mover may be a water turbine, in which case its output is controlled by controlling its gates. It may also be a diesel engine, in which case control is of its throttle. The parameter sensed may be the frequency of the generator output. The external signal may be determined by a clock. The system accommodates a step change of consumer load from 100 percent to 0 percent by virtually instantaneous diversion of excess power into an auxiliary resistance bank. The system is also used in a diesel engine driven generating system.
The appts. comprises at least one inner solar energy collector panel for converting the solar energy into electrical energy. The lower end of the collector is pivotally mounted to the front of the main base such that the collector is free to pivot about the mounting axis between 0 and 90 degrees above the horizontal.    An inner support member has a first end pivotally connected in proximity to the upper end of the inner collector panel. A mechanism connects the second end of the inner support member to the main base such that the collector may be positioned at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees above the horizontal plane. The electrical energy can be stored and supplied to an external receptacle.
Laminator with a double-vacuum system, i.e. a processing chamber (12) having two independently controllable compartments, (50,52) includes means for opening and closing the chamber, pref. a pair of double-acting pneumatic cylinders linked to a hinged cover opening at 80-100 p.s.i., the same pneumatic means creating a vacuum in the chamber. The chamber is surrounded by heaters, pref. removably mounted in flexible clamps and formed of metal sheathed resistance wire with a power output of 2 KW at 240 VAC, alternating with cooling devices comprising similarly clamped metal strips, pref. grooved to accommodate coolant carrying tubes. Pref. the floor of the chamber is lined with woven mesh (64) which provides a bed for the laminate assembly (82) and means are provided for venting.    Controls at the front of the laminator enable process parameters to be set. Pref. these include a pair of temp. controllers for independent control of upper and lower heaters and processing time selectors for selecting pumping times, press times, and cure times. The laminator may be operated automatically or manually, employed for only laminating or laminating and curing. Most pref. control is achieved by means of a micrprocessor.    Laminator is designed for both laminating and/or encapsulating a multilayer laminate assembly, i.e. the laminator can be used not only for laminating an assembly but also for curing the resin used. It provides optimum processing conditions because it features a double-vacuum system having two compartments with independently controllable temp., vacuum, and pneumatic pressure capabilities.
The process is used for alkali halide crystal luminescence excitation and can be used to control opto-electronic units operation.    It involves dissolving the crystal in the liq.    In order to obtain constant luminescence intensity in time, the crystal, prior to dissolution, is made disc-shaped.    During dissolution the crystal is rotated w.r.t. symmetry axis with a constant angular velocity, smaller than the velocity at which the liq. turbulent movement condition is created and greater than the velocity at which the natural convection influence onto the dissolving process is stopped.    The disc is made of lithium fluoride or sodium chloride monocrystals.    During disc dissolution the disc is rotated at an angular velocity with Reynolds No. 100-1000.    Bul.9/7.3.83
Power regulator consists of a turbine with rotary blades, a guide apparatus, a switch containing an electrical control signal converter, a programme control mechanism for the guide apparatus with a main slide valve linked kinematically to the turbine blade turning mechanism, boosters, pressure sensor and actuator.    The power regulator is designed for greater reliability in transient modes due to the pressure sensor actuator equipped with a cam (9), and the generator cut-out switch has a normally open contact. The guide apparatus programme control mechanism is in the form of a hydraulic booster piston linked kinematically to the cam and hydraulic slide valve, and its electromagnet circuit has a normally open contact which interacts with the hydraulic booster piston. Bul.9/7.3.83
The power generation system extracts power from flowing water using a resistance surface which is alternately turned parallel to the flow and at 90 deg. to it. When the surface is turned at 90 deg. to the flow it has a very high drag and is pushed downstream. When the surface is turned parallel to the flow it exerts a low drag and may be returned upstream to its starting position.    The resistance surface is connected to an electrical generator by a rack and pinion mechanism, so that its reciprocating motion turns the generator. Return motion of the resistance surface may be achieved by using two resistance surfaces in parallel, mounted on a rocking beam, so that they move in antiphase. The resistance surfaces may be slightly curved, so that their concave sides face upstream when they are at 90 deg. to the flow.
The appts. extracts useful energy from tidal currents. It consists of a flat bottomed ship or barge which may be anchored in the tideway and which incorporates a number of turbine units. Each turbine unit has a first water intake close under the bottom of the barge and a second intake set at a considerable depth under the bottom of the barge.    Both of the intakes face upstream. The water entering the first intake turns through 90 deg. to pass through a pipe leading vertically downwards. It passes through a turbine which may be situated near the bottom of the vertical pipe, then passes round a second 90 deg. bend to flow downstream. This flow of water is then mixed with the water entering the second intake and the mixed flow then leaves the system through a common outlet.
The water turbine-generator units are constructed in tubular form, to obtain energy from tidal flow. The turbines are fitted with reversible blading so that water flow in either direction can be utilised to drive the generator.    These turbine-generator units are installed in channels in the seabed already washed out by tides. The underlying reason is that in such channels high water velocities occur when the tide is ebbing and flowing.
The receiver receives concentrated sunlight from a reflector (12). A stowed tube mechanism can telescope out to deployed positions (31A) to block most sunlight from reaching the receiver (16). The mechanism includes a group of tubular protection portions or elements (31-33) that are initially in a stowed position. In a stowed position the mechanism surrounds the receiver (16), but is spaced from sunlight passing region subtended by an angle (A) along which sunlight converges on the receiver to avoid blocking the concentrated sunlight.    The three telescoping elements block all of the light except the light from the centre of the concentrator along an angle (B) of 36 degrees. This results in the deployed protective device 30A blocking 72 per cent of all sunlight. An additional element indicated at 36 could be used to block all but 14 per cent of the light. Other alternative devices include a strip, stowed in a spiral, but extendable into a helix, and bellows.    USE -   For use in event of tracking error or coolant loss.
The concentrator has an optically transparent focusing prism (1) with triangular transverse cross-section. The prism has an acute angle alpha between radiation inlet and reflection sides (2, 3). The concentrated radiation leaves through side (4). The concentrator also has a radiation arrangement (5) placed with a gap (6) w.r.t. side (3).    To increase the radiation concentration level, the radiation reflection arrangement (5) is made as at least one prism (7) with triangular transverse cross section which has    an acute angle beta between sides (8, 9). The angles alpha and beta are directed in one direction. The radiation reflection arrangement can be made as several prisms (7) with equal acute angles beta.    USE -   In solar power plants. Bul.16/30.4.84
A device comprises cell units formed by laminating a transparent electrode, an amorphous silicon layer and ametal electrode successively on a common transparent substrate. Each two adjacent units are connected by an extension of the metal electrode of one which traverses an edge of the silicon layer to contact the exposed extension of the other unit.    The silicon layer under the extension extends beyond an edge of the transparent electrode by more than the amount that the silicon layer extends beyond the edge in areas not underlying the extension. The length of the silicon layer edge which projects beyond the transparent electrode ispref. substantially greater than the distance between the silicon layer edge and that of the transparent electrode in a main part of each unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents short-circuit failure occurring between metal and transparent electrodes where the metal electrode crosses the silicon layer. (First major country equivalent to J59198775-A)
Each optical system of the collector has a supporting structure and together they form individual elements of a system which may incorporate e.g. 2000 elements. Each system comprises a hexagonal lens of 4 cm. or less, dia. and a head-cut hexagonal prism. The upper surface of the prism is the lens an optical fibre positioned with its light receiving end face precisely positioned at the focal point of the lens.    A large number of hexagonal recesses for accmodating the optical systems are provided in the supporting structure. When the lens and the support expand due to ambient heat, the hexagonal pyramid of the optical system rises, sliding along with the inclined surfaces. To cope with excessive heat expansion of thelenses, protection bars are provided to minimise destruction due to collision between neighbouring lenses.    USE -   For illumination and electricity generation.
The wave energy recovery system incorporates a large circular float which bobs up and down on the surface of the sea. It is secured in position by mooring posts and by a number of lines attached to a foundation plate secured by anchors and weights on the sea bed. The lines pass over pulleys on the underside of the float, with one end attached to the sea bed and the other end attached to a counterweight to keep the line under tension.    As the float bobs up and down, the lines run over the pulleys turning them. The pulleys are connected via sets of gears to electrical generators housed in the float. There are lines attached to the mooring posts to prevent excessive sideways motion of the float.    ADVANTAGE -   Recovery of energy from surface waves of the sea with easily mfd. equipment.
The substrate (I) is on the incident light side and is transparent to visible light. Each solar cell has a laminar structure and has photosensitive semiconductor layer(s) (II) and a transparent front side electrode (III), pref. of metal oxide, towards the incident light. (I) consists of a heat-resistant fluoro-polymer film, on which (III) is placed directly.    (I) may consist of a tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) polymer which cannot be processed from the melt, pref. PTFE or a copolymer of TFE with a max. 1.5 mol-% other fluoro-monomer, pref. hexafluoropropy-lene (HFP), perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethers with 1-5 (3) C alkyl gps. or chlorotrifluoroethylene (TFClE). Alternatively, (I) may be a melt-processable homopolymer of vinyl fluoride (VF) or vinylidene fluoride (VDF) or TFCIE; or a melt-processable thermo-plastic copolymer of TFE or TFCIE, contg. min. 30 mole-% TFE or FTFCIE and min. 1 mole-% (each) of other monomer(s), pref. olefins (ethylene), perfluoroolefins (HFP), perfluorinated and partly fluorinated allyl alkyl and alkyl vinyl ethers such as perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethers (perfluoropropyl vinyl ether (PFPVE)), vinyl cpds. (VF or VDF) or partly fluorinated olefins (TFCIE). These polymers may be modified with a third or fourth monomer free from fluorine.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is flexible and can be used in tape form. It is suitable for use on the front side and can withstand the temps. encountered during mfr. and during use of the arr array for years. It is highly transparent and light in wt. and has min. water vapour permeability. It is also resistant to degradation outdoors and shows good adhesion to metal oxide coatings.
Self-sufficient energy system for a family house etc.. Solar energy is employed to the maximum for space heating and to heat water for washing etc.. All sewage and other organic waste is fed into a digester where anaerobic fermentation generates biogas for use as a fuel. The gas is used for all cooking and the surplus is available to supplement the solar energy when required.    A heat pump can be used to provide refrigeration and heat from its condenser is utilised to supplement solar energy. Residue from the digester is available for use as an agricultural fertiliser.    The biogas can be used to drive an engine coupled to an electric generator which powers the heat pump.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system is intended to make a family or small community self-sufficient in energy requirements and thus independent of outside sources of energy. Optimum use is made of solar energy and the organic waste produced in the household. Digested residue is employed in fertilising crops.
Protectively coated flexible laminate comprises layer of flexible polymer, partic. Kapton (RTM; polyimide) which is coated with silicone compsn. In pref. embodiment, the laminate is used to support a solar cell array which is bonded to the Kapton surface using conventional silicone adhesive, the individual cells being electrically interconnected by flexible wires or printed circuits. All exposed Kapton is coated with silicone compsn. to prevent degradation when subjected to high concn. of oxygen atoms in extraterrestrial space.    The silicone coating protects the emissivity and absorptivity characteristics of the solar array so that it changes by less than 0.01%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Protectively coated flexible laminate is designed to support solar cell array of solar generator used in space on satellites and space-ships, the laminate being rolled up to use less space during take-off and unrolled in space to become operational. Silicone coating protects substrate film from degradation and depletion due to reaction with oxygen atoms while not interfering with desirable physical properties.
A mosaic of lenses is oriented to face the sun. Each lens focuses a solar image upon the open end of a respective optical fibre. The several fibres converge to form a bundle. The bundle passes to a receiver inside a building.    The lens mosaic is a plastic sheet into which lenses have been moulded. The lens mosaic is formed on the front surface of a transparent plate. Solar images are formed on the rear surface. Optical fibres are attached where these solar images are formed. This eliminates two reflecting surfaces and increases efficiency by 19%. The plate may be reduced by using truncated cones to transmit the radiation to the solar image positions.    USE -   For cooking, lighting or operation of a thermodynamic engine.
The system for piloting a satellite uses the effect of the couple induced between the local magnetic field, and a field generated by the electromagnetic effect of electrically conducting loops. The loops of circuit are arranged in different planes, and may carry current in either direction.    The intensity and duration of the current used is dependent on the characteristics of the local magnetic field, the initial orientation of the satellite, and the final orientation which is to be achieved. The couple may be reinforced by implanting material of high magnetic permeability along the conductors.    USE -   Orientation in space of large, but low mass satellite, e.g. for positioning solar panels, antenna, etc.
The appts. uses a connector block (9) at one end, does not require an external wire or connector at the other end. Each cell has two projections (e.g. 1a,1b) at one end and two recesses (4c,4d) at the other end forming electrical connections and also mechanical interlocking devices. Each cell contains a spring loaded switch (5 to 8) which can bridge its output connections (e.g. 1c,1d). Each switch is operated by a spindle (e.g. 5a) which projects outside its housing.    When two cells are connected, the spindle projecting at the joint is pushed in, and the switch is open. When a line of cells is connected, only the spindle (8a) at the free end projects, and its switch is closed. A connector block (9) with a plug is mounted at the other end. An alternative device has end and side connections with internal switches for the connections one end, so that alternative connection arrangements can be used.    ADVANTAGE -   The danger of faulty end connections is avoided.
The system consists of several interconnected calls each of 10 sq. cm. in area. The system functions on the basis of thermoelectron radiation and can be used everywhere. Any available heat source may be used including the sun's radiation.    Each cell consists of a plate of nickel coated on one side with barium oxide or barium peroxide and cating as cathode. A second plate made of steel acts as anode and is black on one side. The plates are separated by 3-5 mm. The plates are enclosed in a vacuum chamber made of glass to form a device resembling a vacuum tube that converts heat into electrical power.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides cheap electricity. No need for piping.
Solar cell module has a substrate carrying the solar cells in which conductor elements are embedded for the connection of the cells. The substrate consists of an electrically insulating flexible foil with a braiding of reinforcing fibres in one direction. Electrically conductive wires are interlaced with them crosswise. At least some of the wires are conductively joined to the solar cells at least at certain points.    ADVANTAGE -   Such a substrate has best possible stability of form when thermally loaded and when tensile forces or fluctuating loads such as wind loads act on it. The electrical circuitry is facilitated.
The collector comprises a deep chamber defined by two cooperating reflecting arcuate sidewalls united at the chamber bottom by a reflecting parabolic wall. The first arcuate wall is concave and the second arcuate wall convex. The chamber has an open top inception area in a plane from which the arcuate sidewalls depend for receiving solar radiation. An annulus is located between the concave and the convex surface which propagates entrant solar rays to impingement on the concentrator.    The shortest distance between the convex and concave sidewalls of the deep chamber diverges progressively as the distance from the plane increases. A transducer is located near the chamber bottom to absorb said solar radiation. Temps. in the range of between 400 deg. and 800 deg. Fahrenheit are produced.    ADVANTAGE -   Annular space of chamber directs rays at all times.
A vertical steel or concrete shaft fixed into the sea bed has a floating body located around it, so that it can rise and fall with the waves, but remain on station due to the fixed shaft. Steel cables connected between the floating body and pendulum fixed to the shaft cause the pendulum weights to swing in response to the floating body's motion.    The pendulum's action is converted into rotary motion by a ratchet arrangement which drives a gearbox and generator via a system of chains and cogs. The basic reciprocal action of the equipment may be used directly to drive a water pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Exploits the wave motion on both rise and fall of the wave.
The gyroscopes supported by a set of platforms have their oscillations on the same side of a frame, in which they are located. Another set of platforms have gyroscopes with oscillations on the other side of the frame. Two of three groups of platforms are disposed in a frame acting as a revolving deck on which a second frame is disposed.    The third platform group is located in the second frame which drives the rotor of a generator. The stator is fastened in the centre of the frame acting as a revolving deck. Thus the two frames revolve in opposite directions.    USE -   To create an artificial source of energy and propulsion method to propel a ship in space.
Each of the cells of the module has a first side adapted for illumination and a pattern of metallisation on this side. A second side is covered by unpatterned metallisation. Protective diodes are included, one of which is coupled in parallel with and poled oppositely to each of the cells.    Protective diodes comprising discrete diodes are attached between the second sides of adjacent photovoltaic cells. The protective diodes are positioned in spaces between adjacent ones of photo-voltaic cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Module is protected from reverse bias damage and dis-plays minimal power loss resulting from temporary inoperativeness of one or more individual photovoltaic cells.
The apparatus including a buoyant main body (24) forms a housing for a number of pumps and a float system (28) connected such that wave induced relative motion between the body and the component parts of the float system causes actuation of the pumps. The pumps intake water from the supporting medium and pumps it through an effluent conduit to a remote location where it is used to perform useful work.    The appratus can be scuttled during storms, with effective resurrection made possible by using the buoys of the float system to store air, or other fluid, under pressure until needed to purge the buoyant main body of water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For e.g. electricity generation. Provides high volume flow and is abrasion resistant.
Control device has the second flip-flop NAND-gate, delay unit, fourth OR-gate, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh NOT-gate, fifth sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth AND-gate.    When solar radiation is present above the set level the deflection of the radii reflected by the heliostat (42) from the determined direction leads to the formation of the ZENITH FORWARD, ZENITH BACK, AZIMUTH FORWARD AND AZIMUTH BACK signals at one of the outputs of the optical sensor (1). This signal is fed to one of the power amplifiers (7) or (8) depending on the output configuration. The power amplifier (7) acts on the motor (9) or (10) to reduce the magnitude of the mismatch present following the sun position.    If the sun is covered by the clouds at the output of the optical sensor (1) the LOSS OF TRACED OBJECT is displayed and there are no signals at the remaining sensor outputs. The logic zero signal is obtained from the solar radiation sensor (3) which reacts to the visible part of the spectrum. There are no signals fed to the control device (43) input and both motors (9, 10) remain stationary.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar power plant heliostat control. Increases reliability. Bul.11/23.3.84
The prime mover comprises several air pumps fixedly mounted in the bottom portion of a vehicle or on the broadside of a vessel for pumping air into an air tank. The compressed air is used for driving one or more double-acting cylinders and the linear output of the cylinders is converted into a rotary output through a direction-changing mechanism.    The direction-changing mechanism includes one or more dynamic power output devices, each comprising an outer moving member directly driven by the cylinder and an inner rotor. By suitable control over the motion direction and speed of the cylinders, the repulsion force between permanent magnets, which are installed respectively on the outer moving member and the inner rotor, drives the inner rotor to generate a rotary output.    USE -   For providing additional power to vehicle (e.g. rally car) driven over rough road or for providing power to buoy, e.g. by generating electricity for charging battery. May also be used for sailing vessel.
An element such as a drilling tool is cooled by supplying fluid to the element from a location remote from it, and lowering the temp. of the fluid immediately upstream of the element.    Appts. for performing the process is also claimed and comprises a turbine immediately upstream of the element, which delivers cooling gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For hydrocarbon or geothermal wells. Drilling operations need not be interrupted while cooling takes place.
A solar radiation collector comprising a receiver through which passes a medium to be heated by solar radiation. A concentrator concentrates solar radiation onto the receiver by means of an intermediate device located between the concentrator surface which reflects back to the receiver radiation emitted. It has a window in the perimeter through which radiation is focussed onto the receiver by the concentrator.    The receiver when viewed in section is polygonal or approximately so and the intermediate device is of curved arcs formed to concentrate onto the receiver radiation emitted from it.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises losses due to radiation by the receiver. Allows a reduction in the dimensions of the receiver.
The setting drive for a satellite antenna or solar collector employs a drive unit within the satellite employing at least one stepping motor (2) with an axial air-gap and a rotor attached to the drive shaft (11). The bearing (1) for supporting the latter employs two roller bearings with components which have the same temp. coefficient.    The shaft (11) also carries a slip-ring system (3) for transmission of control signals and/or electrical energy, with the bearing (1) positioned between the drive unit and the slip-ring system (3). Pref. the drive unit is positioned adjacent the outer skin of the satellite with a heat shield for receiving the stepping motor (2). The heat shield may be fixed to the inside surface of the outer skin in the vicinity of the drive unit.    ADVANTAGES -   Relatively insensitive to extreme temp. variations.
Two cylinders each have an open and enclose a piston. A pipe communicates between the two cylinders at the ends remote from their open ends. A closure member is movable between one position in which it closes off the open end of the other. A liquid is contained between the cylinders and the pipe, between the two pistons. An electrical generating device is operated by movement of the liquid. Fluid pressure acting on the first cylinder and thus the first piston, with the second cylinder closed by the closure member, moves the first piston inwardly. The liquid is moved to the second piston through the pipe, to operate the electricity generating device. Movement of the closure member allows the fluid pressure to act on the second piston to move the first piston back to its start position. Electricity is generated by movement of the second piston inwardly.    USE -   For stream or waterfall, sea waves, or wind gas pressure. It is also mounted on electric or hybrid vehicle.
Each elementary cell (11) comprises a central metallic core (12) surrounded by successive semiconductor layers (13,14) which constitute a photoactive diode.    The outer layer (14) is partially covered by metallisation (15) forming the counter electrode on the surface which is turned away from the light and encapsulated in a baseplate (16). The unmetallised surface which faces the light is encapsulated in a transparent plate (17) of synthetic thermoplastic laminate or polymerisable resin under a glass cover plate (18).    ADVANTAGE -   The active surface is max. and the free electron path to the counter electrode is at mose one-quarter of the dia. of the elementary cell. The conductor (12) and semiconductor coatings (13,14) are easily mass-produced and cut into segments of definite length. The cell voltage can be doubled by combination of p-n and n-p elements.
A system for processing fluid from a subterranean location with a fluid at elevated temp. and pressure comprises a reactor contg. a tubular body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet above the inlet, and a middle section having a throat of smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet and outlet. The inner body allows the fluid to flush to form a vapour fraction and provide intimate contact of solid, liq. and vapour fractions of the fluid in a three-phase fluidisation relationship.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sepn. of suspended solids in geothermal brine in geothermal energy recovery systems. Vigorous agitation is achieved without theuse of mechanical agitators.
The solar tracking unit is suited to a wide variety of solar collectors which offset best performance when oriented directly toward the sun. The tracking unit includes a support column, which is a Vertical column with its opt bent to an angle to the horizontal equal to the latitude of the site. A frame is pivoted (A) from the top of the support and carries the driVe motor.    A collector carrier is pivoted (B) from the frame about an axis orthogonal to the frame pivot (A) and positioned by a threaded rod to track the solar elevation. A drive motor constant speed. switches are used to stop and reset the cycle, which can be timed by an electronic clock.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar energy collectors. Has simple and low cost construction.
The solar energy captive system consists of an assembly of reflective mirrors (1,2,3) of truncated conical shaped surfaces fabricated from polished aluminium sheets or from flexible mirrors glued to polystyrene tiles. This assembly of mirrors can be increased or decreased to obtain an optimum size of structure which will produce the required level of concentration of solar energy for heating purposes.    The energy collector (13) consists of a heat exchanger which is designed and positioned to receive the sun rays (a,b,c) reflected in the directions (a,b,c) with the minimum loss of energy. The complete assembly is equipped with means of orientation to track the sun trajectory.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To provide domestic hot water, space heating and heating of swimming pools. Total reflective surface of the mirrors is utilised. No sun rays are reflected back towards the light source.
The carrier sheet has horizontal fold lines across it, so that it can be supported vertically when required, or folded up in zig-zag folds and stored flat in a container (6). The top of the sheet is suspended from a jib on top of a folding mast and the sheet is supported by a vertical cable (11,12) at each end, connected to winding drums (14) which are operated to carry out the folding operation.    The tops of the cables are suspended from an upper cross member with connections for the jib on the mast. The sections (1,2) of the sheet, forming the folds, incorporate pairs of holes (15,16) to allow the suspension cables to pass through. The cables have balls (17) attached, which can wedge against the holes to retain the folds. The holes (15) one side of an fold line are keyhole shaped, to allow the balls to pass through when required, for erection and folding.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For satellites, and space vehicles can be easily extended and collapsed.
The system uses electro-mechanical, or fully electronic switching elements controlled by a light intensity sensor w.r.t. numerous individual solar cells, or cell groups. Pref. the light intensity sensor is formed by a sensing photocell which cooperates with a control computer.    The computer provides commands for the mechanical and/or electronic ON/OFF switching elements for the series- or parallel-connection of the power supplying solar cell array(s). The inner resistance of the photo-voltaic cells, dependent on the series or parallel circuit, is matched to the resistance of the accumulator or to any other electric load.    ADVANTAGE -   Low electrical losses, particularly in large systems.
A photovoltaic device is mfd. by (a) forming spaced first electrodes on an insulating substrate surface at photoelectric conversion regions; (b) forming a semiconductor film, then a second electrode film, continuously covering the first electrodes; (c) using an energy beam to remove portions of the second electrode film in the vicinity of the gaps between adjacent first electrodes, dividing the film into second electrodes for photoelectric conversion regions; (d) dry etching to remove semiconductor regions using the second electrodes as mask, exposing portions of the first electrode; and (e) electrically connecting an exposed portion of each first electrode with a portion of the adjacent second electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   The second electrode portions are precisely removed by the energy beam, with any damage to the semiconductor layer limited to the portion subsequently removed by dry etching. The useful surface area is maximised and the semiconductor surface is protected from dust and spatters by the second electorde. (First major country equivalent to J59172274-A)
The light buoy has a sealed cylindrical body (1) floating in water (2) and held in a vertical position by ballast (8) attached to the lower section of a inner tube (5). The top section carries a signal light (4) to be operated by electrical current. The buoy is anchored in position by a chain assembly (9,9').    The electric current generator (11,12) are located inside the floating body on each side of the vertical tube (5) which contains a balancing pendulum (14) free to move with the water surge and connected to a vertical rack and pinion rod (15). The rod movement is transmitted by the central pinion (17) connected to a rotating spindle (18) which is supported at each end by bearings (23) mounted horizontally in the tube wall. The spindle (18) ends are linked to pinion wheels (19) which drive the rotor pinions (21) by means of drive belts (20).    ADVANTAGE -   Two electric generators enable the supply of two separate electric circuits.
The lightweight frame (12) has a flexible mirrored surface (14) tensioned across it in the manner of a drum skin. The edges of the mirrored surface on the rear side of the arrangement are fixed to springs (16,18) attached to a wire mesh grid (28).    The shape of the mirrored surface can be altered within limits by means of screw adjusters which adjust the distance between the mirrored surface and the grid. This adjustment allows the reflected light to be focussed at a distant point where the solar collector may be located.    ADVANTAGE -   Easily combined to form a large reflecting surface area without the need for a substantial supporting structure.
An insulated base (6) forms the main housing and also contains the heat-retaining fluid. The central portion (3) of the base is dished into a half sphere depression, forming the heat absorbing face of the structure. A spherical lens (2) is suspended within the depression. A transparant cover (7) fits over the entire assembly to provide environmental protection.    The relative location of spherical lens and dished heat absorbing face allows solar radiation to focus vertically on the dish at any time of day.    ADVANTAGE -   Delivers constant amount of heat energy regardless of sun's position. Relatively small.
At least one band of metal having an adhesive strip attached is fed to a strip slicing machine. Adjacent to the bands of metal, a solar cell is also fed into the machine. At least one bus-bar strip is cut from the band and the strip is deposited adjacent to the solar cell to adhesively bond the bus-bar to the solar cell.    The attached bus-bars are then permanently attached and electrically connected by subjecting the adhesively attached bus-bars and solar cell to solder dip. The adhesive strips attached to the metal band have two adhesive surfaces. One of the surfaces is attached to the band, and the opposite adhesive surface has a protective backing which is removed prior to cutting the strip.    ADVANTAGE -   Process of attaching bus-bars to solar cells has not been automated in prior art.
Photoelectric transducer mfr. comprising: (1) formation of a 1st conductive layer on an insulating substrate surface; (2) use of a number of laser beams to simultaneously form 1st grooves (G) in the 1st conductive layer and divide this layer into a set of 1st electrodes; (3) formation of a polycrystalline semiconductor layer covering the electrodes and grooves; (4) simultaneous laser beam scanning of the semiconductor layer to form 2nd grooves that are offset w.r.t. the 1st grooves and define laminate sections; (5) formation of a 2nd conductive layer that extends over the semiconductor layer and the 2nd grooves and forms plugs connecting to the 1st electrodes via the 2nd grooves; (6) simultaneous laser beam scanning of the 2nd conductive layer to produce insulating sepn. portions and divide this layer into 2nd electrodes that each face one 1st electrode and connect to the adjacent electrode via a 2nd conductive layer plug.    USE -   Useful for compact, low voltage, small capacity DC power sources for general consumer electronic substrates or high voltage, large capacity power sources for business applications.
Solar panels (1) are arranged in two rows on a sloping frame backed by a fairing (2) of identical size and shape. The array and fairing are mounted on a rectangular base (3) rotating about a vertical axis (AA') through the centre of a circular track (9). A vent (8) along their top edges allows wind to escape from under them.    An angle sensor on the vertical axis provides a signal corresp. to the direction of the rotary base w.r.t a selected (pref. North or South) azimuth. A torque sensor locks the moving parts if excessive horizontal force is exerted on the track roller. The appts. may be stationed high enough above ground to admit fresh air for circulation behind the panels (1), without collecting too much wind.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids gathering too much wind while at the same time enabling air circulation at the back of the panel.
The energy conversion system comprises a slab structure located in a channel and having side walls which abut the channel walls. The front end of the slab faces a body of water and the rear end faces a water-receiving reservoir (8A).    The slab front end is hinge-mounted to the channel housing, and the rear end (15) may be raised or lowered to form a sloping surface (19). Oncoming water runs up the slope to split into the reservoir. The rear end of the slab may also form part of a reservoir wall.    ADVANTAGE -   No fuel consumption or pollution.
The system employs a novel tracking system which may be used in combination with various solar energy generating units for obtaining an extremely efficient conversion of available solar energy to other forms of energy. The tracking system may also be used with other sun sensitive devices and solar collector as used herein is used in a broad sense to include all such sun sensitive devices. The solar tracking system comprises a sun sensing element for actuating a servo-motor which causes an operably attached solar collector to be periodically repositioned in the direction of the sun.    The sun sensing element uses the presence and absence of shadow created by the sun's relationship to a shroud device to alternately switch the servo-motor on an off in response to the sun's movement. A secondary blind system using a light intensity sensor is provided and coordinated with the first where during periods of cloud cover the servo-motor is actuated to continue to move the system from an easterly to a westerly direction at a rate approximately that of the sun's movement until the sun again reappears and the light sensing system overrides the secondary system.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a solar tracking system and solar energy generating unit which is self operating and requires little maintenance or adjustment.
Wider functional scope for the sun heat unit is due to the concentrator in    the shape of a rotated vessel and filled with a reflecting liquid. The vessel is divided by partitions, and the receiver is set in the focus of the concentrator, while flaps are movable in the openings of the partitions. In addition, the unit is provided with a tracking heliostat and a counter reflector which is shiftable with respect to the receiver.    The flaps (6) of openings (5) in the partitions (3) are closed when the vessel holding mercury is stopped, and then the drive is switched on entraining the ferromagnetic liquid of reservoir (9) containing the vessel. The latter receives then a rotation around the vertical axis with the mercury forming annular zones exhibiting a paraboloid section. The sun rays reflected from the heliostat (7) follow the    optical axis of the paraboloid concentrator to impinge the receiver (4) in combination with the action of the counter-reflector (8).    ADVANTAGE -   Allows wide range of operational regimes to be used without resetting position of heated object. Bul.13/7.4.83
The machine comprises a cylindrical rotor with twelve radial compartments, each containing a weight which is free to slide along the compartment.    The weights are coupled to a circular cam which is mounted at the end of the rotor, with its centre displaced from the centre of the rotor. The masses are moved radially outward on one side of the rotor and radially inward on the other, maintaining a net torque, due to gravity, on the rotor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A low running cost energy converter using simple technology, suited to electricity generation in remote locations, or to reducing energy costs of a central heating installation.
The system uses programmable control to direct the storage and supply of energy in the form of an electrical signal of predetermined waveform with max. flexibility as to the choice of waveform. An EMF ring, comprised of a number of charge storage elements arranged in a ring-like configuration, provides a medium for charge storage. A number of computer controlled switches allow the connection of selected charge storage elements to at least one output line, a voltage reference having been established to supply an electrical signal of preselected waveform.    A generator is selectively coupled to one or more of the storage elements through the switches to provide an adaptive optimum charge storage pattern among the storage elements, enhancing the efficient conversion of an energy input such as solar radiation, wind or the like, into the electrical output of preselected waveform, such as alternating current, direct current or a combination of both.    USE -   For transformerless conversion of energy into electrical energy of a preselected character.
Collector comprises a support with at least one trough having a reflective internal surface of two opposed truncated parabolic sections rotated away from the vertical axis to provide a wide angle acceptance opening, with a reflective circular face joining the section ends opposite the opening.    A vacuum sealed glass heat trapping cylinder is nested in the trough to extend along the focal line of the reflective surface such that part of the trough engages the cylinder to permit thermal expansion. There is at least one metal tube within the cylinder and this carries heat-transfer working fluid. The collector pref. has a polymer concrete base supporting low-density concrete-fibreglass-glass bead aggregate in which the troughs are formed, the troughs having a coating of polymer-concrete mixt..    ADVANTAGE -   Durable effective non-tracking parabolic collector.
The panel has a reflective continuous anticlastic surface concave in a first direction with a curved arc cross-section in each plane extending in the first direction. The surface is convex in a second direction perpendicular to the first and has a curved arc cross-section in the second direction for providing a linear zone of concentration. The zone is a narrow band spaced from and extending in the second direction.    The location of the zone moves in the first direction as a result of changes in the angle of incidence of impinging sunlight. The zone moves in a plane parallel to the tangent line at the midpoint of the panel. A collector absorbs light reflected onto the zone and is mounted for movement with that of the zone. The collector movement is controlled by a microprocessor programmed with an algorithm.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is simplified and more efficient.
Vertical tube flash evaporator for introducing a superheated liquid into a flash evaporation chamber includes a vertical inlet tube (12) with a flared diffuser portion at its upper end (16). Annular, bowl-shaped screens (20,24) are positioned around the tube in an axially-spaced manner.    Liquid (34) flowing up the tube (12) causes initial expansion and boiling in the diffuser portion. Unvaporised liquid flows over the tube outlet end (16) onto the screens (20,24) for evaporation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Evaporation of warm seawater in an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power generation plant wherein a number of the evaporators generate low pressure steam for driving a turbine. Operates near to thermodynamic limits, and has minimal vertical pumping height requirements thereby creating minimal pressure loss.
The solar collector comprises a focussing element which precisely focusses solar radiation upon a collecting region of a collecting element during all times of the day. The collecting region is constructed to be more highly absorbing of the solar radiation than any other region of the collector which might be in thermal contact with the collecting region.    Pref. the collecting element is fabricated from a photochromic glass which darkens when impinged upon by the focussed radiation of the sun. The collecting region is automatically self-defined by the local darkened region of the photochromic glass, which traverses the collector as the sun traverses the sky. Behind the collecting element is positioned an array of unidirectional heat pipes with separate fluid paths. The collecting element directs solar heat onto different heat pipes during different times of the day.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require daily motion of focussing element.
Control appts. contg. monovibrators (1,2), control unit (3), memory (4), distributor (5), phase switch (7), channels switch (12), master generator (13), controlled divider (14), priority circuit (15), recorder (16), pulse shaper (17), impulsive current supply (18) and the step motors (19) has an RS-trigger (6), AND-gates (8,10,11) and decoder (9).    Presence of logic 1-levels on rails (22-25) signifies automatic control by a computer or microprocessor. If a control unit forms a channel forward signal, but an inhibit code is transferred from the memory to the distributor, a false code circulates. But the decoder and AND-gates (10,11) operate. In an 8-interval switching cycle for a 4-phase stepping motor there can be eight inhibited combinations. In response to decoder output signals, the distributor changes to false cycle adjustment duty.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In control of several stepping motors operating in turn, esp. for heliostats at solar power stations, for more reliable positioning. On reconnection of a motor, a switch is set to change to the next step without loss on reversal and not only in the position occupied when the motor was switched off. False positions of the motor are not memorised. Bul.6/ 15.2.84
The battery contg. thermo-cells (1), each consisting of arms (2,3) of n- and p-type conduction and back-up elements parallel to the arms, has back-up resistances (6) as the back-up elements. The resistances can be made from nichrome wire and have 5-10 times greater resistance than the arm internal resistance.    At their points of connection the arms form two rows of junctions (4,5).    Operation differs in that the back-up resistances shunt the arms and so rupture of one arm does not break the circuit because the thermo-battery current flows through the resistance connected to the failed arm.    On failure of an arm, there is no significant change in electric parameters.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In thermo-electricity, for voltage generation, thermo-electric cooling, thermo-electric heating and measuring technique, to widen the temp. range to 150-300 deg. C and so increase reliability.    Costs are reduced considerably by eliminating diodes.    For 100 thermo-cells or more, energy losses in the resistances can be reduced to several per cent. Bul.6/15.2.84
The method is carried out by directing the concentrated solar energy stream deflected from the concentrator walls (2,3) onto receiver (1) placed on the concentrator outlet. In order to stabilise the unit power by seasonal regulation of solar energy quantity, directed onto the receiver, the concentrator walls are additionally turned depending on the sun decline.    The receiver longitudinal axis is directed from west to east. In the aiming position the solar energy stream falls perpendicularly onto concentrator's D1 section. When the sun displaces by angle alpha due to the seasonal conditions, the radiation only falls onto wall (3). To stabilise the power, wall (2) is turned through angle beta about hinge (4)    by tie rod (5). The concentrator's inlet section becomes equal to D2. As D2 is greater than D1 the light stream concentration is higher. Bul.5/7.2.84
Mirror system consists of a base (1) with supports carrying a mirror capable of rotating about its own perpendicular axes, together with drives.    Construction is simplified by the mechanical coupling between mirror frame (5) and base (1) taking the form of cardan shaft (9) and half-cardan (10). The drives are linked to the frame via two lead-screw and nut combinations. The third point of support of the frame (15) is spring-loaded, the three points forming the angles of a right-angled triangle.    USE -   As a system for adjusting the individual mirrors (6) of a helioconcentrator. Bul.5/7.2.84.
The solar energy absorber has an aluminium lining (1), black covering (2) and intermediate layer (3) which connects lining (1) and covering (2). The solar rays are absorbed due to at least two processes: interference and scattering. In order to increase the manifold selectivity the layer (3) is made of electricity conducting oxides. The aluminium lining (1) has a low specific thermal radiation coefft. Layer (3) does not change the lining (1) radiation characteristics. Layer (3) thickness is 20-300 angstroms.    USE -   In solar manifolds used for solar thermoelectric generators. Bul.4/30.1.84
The method is carried out by exposing the recording plate (1) placed in the concentrator centre and subsequent deciphering of the obtd. information. The recording plate (1) is made of light sensitive material. To increase the accuracy, prior to exposure the recording plate (1) which is made of light sensitive glass, it is irradiated by ultraviolet radiation through a meshed photo-template. The exposure is carried out by heating the recording plate with the concentrator temp. field. The heated plate (1) is placed on scanning unit (4) and is illuminated by source (5) through a system of optic lenses (6), displacing perpendicular to the light source (5) optic axis. The information obtd. is recorded on recorder (7) through photodetector (8).    USE -   Used for solar energy concentrators power characteristics analysis. Bul.4/30.1.84
An amorphous Si solar battery comprises a substrate and at least one light incident transparent electroconductive electrode and an opposed back electrode sandwiching an amorphous Si layer. A major surface of the back electrode contacts an organic resin layer, and at least that surface of the electrode is made of a cpd. of transition metal and N, Si or C. In an embodiment, a solar battery comprises a number of unit cells as above connected in series formed on a single substrate and having amorphous Si between unit cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The transition metal cpd. is more corrosion resistant than conventionally used stainless steel Al, Cr, Ni-Cr, Mo etc., so inhibits or minimises the output redn. of the solar battery in use and/or peeling of the back electrode. (First major country equivalent to J59147469-A)
The wave energy converter comprises a floating shell with a vertical counterweight below the water, the shell containing hydraulic pumps driving an electric generator. The shell is of large diameter and relatively low height and floats horizontally on the surface, tilting as it passes over the waves. The counterweight extends below the shell centre and is coupled to a chain anchored to the seabed.    Hydraulic pump units are mounted radially between the movable central hub and the circular hub carrier. The shell is coupled to the counterweight by a ball and socket coupling, with the counterweight extending above the coupling to displace the central hub as the shell tilts, thus operating the hydraulic pumps.    USE -   Electricity supply for coastal regions, marker buoys, and oil or gas drilling rigs.
When part of the Si is substd. by O, the Fe-Si cpd. is p-type. When part of the Fe is substd. by O, the cpd. is n-type. Pref. thermoelectric conversion element comprises (a) a first element (TP) of Fe-Si cpd. with part of the Si substd. by O; and (b) a second element (TN) of Fe-Si cpd. with part of the Fe substd. by O, joined to the first element. Element may be prepd. by ion cluster beam deposition, using Fe and SiO sources to form a cpd. where part of the Si is substd. by O, or by using Fe and Si sources and introducing a small amt. O2 into the high vacuum sputtering atmos. to form an element in which part of the Fe is substd. Alternatively, the elements can be prepd. by sintering a suitable mixt. of powdered Fe and SiO, or of Si and powdered Fe oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Elements are useful in producing electrical energy from heat, e.g. solar thermal energy, waste heat. They have high conversion efficiency, are mfd. at low cost, and conductivity is artificially controlled to provide the required conductivity type. (First major country equivalent to J59145582-A)
The system contains an A.C. generator (11) driven by a wind or water turbine (2) whose speed or torque may vary. A differential drive unit (3) coupled to the turbine (2) and generator (11) and device such as a reaction machine (6) are arranged to control the torque on the respective input to the differential drive unit. The torque is controlled in response to changes in the speed of rotation of the turbine in the sense which tends to compensate for such speed variations and thus reduce fluctuations of torque on the generator.    The torque control means may comprise a pump (6) connected to a hydraulic motor (4) through a controller (7), or alternatively may be an electric transmission incorporating a computer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Also for tidal or wave power generation on national grid. Allows for fluid flow fluctuations preventing large variations in torque.
The energy conversion system is mounted on a support pedestal so that the cap carrying the wind and solar convertors is free to rotate about a vertical axis on a circular guide rail mounted at the top of the pedestal.    The wind turbine is mounted with its blades vertical, to one side of the cap, while the solar collectors are laid horizontally, covering the top of the pedestal. The wind turbine has articulated deflectors mounted around it to concentrate the wind or to divert it when the wind speed is dangerously high.    ADVANTAGE -   Power available over a wider range of weather conditions and reduced capital cost by combining the two converters.
The hydro-kinetic motor has water supplied under pressure from a reservoir (16) into the centre of a rotating vessel which comrpises two cylindrical chambers placed side by side and coupled one to the other. The water is connected to each of these chambers. Each chamber contains a lightweight float (9,10) mounted on an axial shaft and shaped as two quarter segments of a cylinder, mounted diametrically opposite each other.    The radius of the float segments is slightly less than the inner radius of the chamber (5,6). The two axial shafts have an external pinion (11,12) and are coupled through a second gear (14,15) to the central shaft (13) so that rotation of the floats causes the cylinder pair to tilt so that the floats continue to rotate in seeking equilibrium.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides perpetual source of mechanical energy to drive an electric generator.
A light source (1), which may be a lamp in a ventilated housing, is supplied with electric power from the mains and its output is guided via an optical fibre (2) through a small opening (80) into a darkroom (60). The solar panel (4) under inspection is fixed to a stand (50) and scanned by an operator (100) holding a lightweight projector (3) at the other end of the fibre (2).    The projector (3) incorporates a lens holder whereby the operator can focus the beam of light (5) on to the solar cells (1000) at grazing incidence and view the reflection from about the same angle. A deflective cell can be recorded e.g. by a dictaphone (110) and remedial action can be commanded e.g. by a telecontrol box (120) held in the free hand.    USE -   For examining solar panels used on spacecrafts or satellites.
Thermoelectric elements are wedged between heat exchangers which are stacked in columns and gripped by nuts on vertical threaded rods. The columns side-by-side form a unit with thermoelements in parallel planes and heat exchangers facing one another in layers.    Each thermoelement has a flat top and a spherical underside fitting into a recess in the underlying heat exchanger core. Each exchanger in a layer is pierced by a through pipe contg. a rigid tube with a polyester sleeve about which it can rotate. Hot and cold fluid tubes are joined by elbows to form a single circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   The grip ensures good electrical and thermal contact without leakage, while dimensional tolerances are taken up by rotation about the tubes and spherical thermoelement ends.
The solar energy converter incorporates a system for concentrating solar rays onto a receiver or absorber body. This body may be an elongated pipe, and the solar rays are focussed to a line on this pipe by a set of two-dimensional Fresnel lenses. The frame holding the Fresnel lenses is connected to the collector by a set of struts.    The lenses are reinforced by wires under tension, which are stretched across the frame. The wires may run between individual elements of the Fresnel lenses. An alternative arrangement may be circular, with the reinforcing wires running radially.    ADVANTAGE -   Very thin light concentrating lenses may be used, with a saving in weight and materials.
The concentrator has radiation absorbing luminence or fluorescence centres pref. as a coating for re-emitting radiator within a different wavelength range from the incident radiation. The emitted radiation is conc. by total reflection or by the design of the concentrator or its coating onto at least one radiation receiving member. The radiation receiving member is a solar cell or optical fibre.    The concentrator opt. reflects the emitted radiation and is is permeable to that to be collected. The radiation receiving member is either internal or on an edge or end surface. Opt. the emitted radiation is converted to heat. The concentrator is opt. a window pane, facade or roof cover of a solar panel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conc. of solar or artificial radiation. Concentrates diffuse radiation. No tracking device needed.
A parabolic reflector surface is included to provide a line of focus of the sunlight directed toward a cylindrical energy absorption tube. Photovoltaic cells provided on either side of the energy absorption tube are directed toward the parabolic reflector surface.    A reversible motor is electrically connected to the cells and physically connected to the reflector system for correcting any misalignment with respect to the sun. The reversible motor can be used as the sole means for powering the tracking system or can be used in conjunction with an outside power source.    ADVANTAGE -   No external power source needed. Solar cell matching is not important.
Relatively high pressure steam contg. non condensable gases comprising H2S, at least one alkaline constituent esp. NH3, and CO2 is (i) condensed to form a low pressure two phase fluid comprising a liq. phase of steam condensate contg. dissolved H2S and alkaline constituents and a gas phase of uncondensed H2O and non condensable gases; (ii) an acidic substance is added to the liq. phase to selectively react with the alkaline constituents; the phase becomes depleted in H2S while the gas phase is enriched therein; (iii) gas and liq. phases are sepd.. and the gas phase and the H2S contg. gas obtd. in subsequent step (v) are (iv) treated to remove H2S and form a low H2S contg. vent gas of CO2. A portion of vent gas is discharged to atmos. and the remainder (v) contacted in countercurrent with liq. phase from (iii) to react alkaline constituents therein selectively and release dissolved H2S from the liq. into the vent gas. (vi) H2S contg. gas from (v) is passed to (iv) to provide part of the gas phase which contains at least 80% of the H2S present in the feed.    Steam is esp. geothermal steam. Energy obtd. from the process is partic. electrical. Acidic substance in (ii) may be H2SO4, H2SO3, glycollic or titric acid or aq. CO2 or SO2 solns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electricity is generated from geothermal steam with min. emission of S-contg. pollutants. H2S is removed at low temp. and pressure without redn. of the available energy of the steam. Equipment corrosion is reduced by retention of alkaline constituents in steam.
The collector comprises a concave sheet of flexible thermoplastic material, pref. acrylic, on the convex side of which reflective material has been vapour-deposited and then overlain by a foamed-resin layer rigid enough for supporting the thermoplastic sheet.    Pref. a paint layer underlies the foamed resin in which glass fibre pieces are bonded for stiffness. Specifically, a layer of reinforced polyester underlies the foamed-resin layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Weather-resistant collector which is inexpensively made.
The system sends liquid down into the rock (7). The heat stored in the rock vaporises the liquid which rises up via a vapour pipe back to the surface. The pipe (2) is at a pressure set above atmospheric. The liquid chosen as heat-conveying medium is one whose saturated vapour at the set pressure has a heat of vaporisation of at least 1000 kJ/cubic metre. The medium may be ammoniac (NH3) or freon (e.g. F12,F22) and/ or a hydrocarbon (e.g. C3H6,C3H8) at well temps. of 100-120 deg.C. Above 120 deg.C, the medium is water. Condensed vapour is recycled to achieve self-regulation.
The pump-turbine assembly is designed to operate with a liq. containing a high proportion of gas, which may lead to airlocks and frothing, esp. when the assembly is used to recover energy from a liq. being subjected to a pressure drop. The assembly has a central shaft (8) carrying several centrifugal rotors (3) in series.    The liq. flows radially inward past the rotor blades when the assembly is acting as a turbine, and flows radially outward past the stator blades set between the various rotors. There are openings (6) near the turbine outlets, which connect with outlet channels (7,9) in and surrounding the shaft.    ADVANTAGE -   The openings and outlet channels separate gas from the liq. that would otherwise interfere with the operation of the turbines.
The thermodynamic transducer is used to convert heat energy into electrical energy. It extracts heat from the exhaust gases of a car IC engine by passing the gases through finned pipes or finned apertures in metal plates. These plates or blocks are in close contact with cooled metal blocks. The contact faces between the hot and cold blocks are covered with thermocouple elements connected either in series or in parallel.    The cold metal blocks may be cooled by water from the engine cooling system, or by a separate cooling circuit, or they may be air cooled.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat from the exhaust gases that would otherwise be wasted is recovered and is turned into useful energy. The system operates without any moving parts.
The system has a main support body mounted above a water surface subject to wave action on leg members secured to the bottom beneath the water surface. The support body has a central output shaft coupled to drive at least one output device. A number of radially spaced apart drive shafts are coupled to apply torque to the output shaft in one direction only.    The drive shafts are driven by hydraulic turbines, each of which are supplied with fluid under pressure by reciprocating pumps having pistons connected to and driven by floats which are movable up and down in response to waves moving beneath the support body. Ramps are provided beneath the water surface and surround the floats to increase the height of waves moving past the floats. The output device may be an electrical generator or an air compressor.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses several floats to produce constant turning action.
The system uses a ferromagnetic material contained in a tape and rotatably disposed in a triangular configuration around a series of pulleys. The entire system is under water in the ocean so as to use the temperature differentials available between just below the surface of the ocean and approximately 100 metres below. The tape which is ferromagnetic passes through superconducting coils having parallel fields and provides a large magnetic field.    The lower portion of the ferromagnetic tape, which is cooled by the oceans, experiences greater magnetisation than the upper warmer portions of the magnetic tape. The lower portion of the tape experiencing greater magnetisation is pulled up into the magnetic field and causes movement of the tape. Attached to one of the pulleys is a drive belt arrangement which in turn is connected to a generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Has high overall efficiency.
The mechanism utilises a semicircle collector trough body having an inner concave surface having a focal point at the centre of the circle defined by the uppermost flat surface of the trough body, the upper flat portion of the trough body normally being generally horizontally disposed. A number of solar collection modules mounted in a matrix about the concave surface, each of the modules comprising a radial passageway formed in the concave surface along a line intersecting the focal point.    A strip of thermally expandable material mounted in the passageway with normally open switch is positioned adjacent the thermally expandable strip for switching an electrical circuit between on/off positions respectively responsive to expansive/contraction of the strip.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar collectors and can generate information for use with a computer.
A thermoelectric power generator includes a heating element operatively connected to a heat pump for generating a dc power supply in response to the thermal energy emanating from the element. The element includes a zero voltage controller operatively connected to the element for controlling the applied ac power.    The controller has a zero voltage switch and a bi-directional triode thyristor (triac), the triac having a trigger terminal connected to the switch for controlling the ac power supplied to the element. A thermoelectric heat pump is operatively connected to the generator for producing, selectively, heating and cooling characteristics in response to the generated dc power.    USE -   For intrusion detectors.
The wave energy converter uses a large hollow float housing one or more direct current generators. The generators are driven through step-up gearing from a drive shaft carried in bearings fixed in the lower part of the float and having a sprocket fixed to it to mesh with drive chains.    The drive chains are fixed at one end of cables anchored in the sea-bed. The chains pass over the drive sprocket and are connected at the other end to a ballast weight, so that the vertical oscillation of the float causes rotational oscillation of the drive sprocket. The direct current generators charge batteries which in turn supply a dc motor driving an alternator (7).    ADVANTAGE -   Improved energy conversion efficiency through direct mechanical coupling and electromechanical energy conversion.
A simplified and more compact version of a solar cell module is achieved by integrating the power limiting diodes that act as current by-pass at voltage reversal during overload, in the actual solar cell module. This eliminates the need for an external diode box and additional external insulated connections.    Solar cells are connected in series, forming several chains. By-pass diodes are reverse connected across individual chains so as to limit the heating power delivered by partially shaded cells.
Collector has a frame holding an elastic membrane in plane, and in tension, with an adjuster for varying the tension and releasably attachable to the membrane. The tensioner uniformly and symmetrically stretches the membrane so that stresses are uniformly distributed over its thickness and reciprocal twisting moments on the frame are eliminated.    The membrane may have an upper reflector layer of aluminated polyester or silvered polycarbonate on a substrate of Al, steel or polymer foil. The tensioner may comprise a pair of inflatable tubular bladders e.g. of rubber which control radial movement of a piston, the tensioner coupling the membrane to the annular frame.
A collector comprises an annular frame supporting and tensioning a radiation concentrating and focussing membrane consisting of two differentially pretensioned sheets integrally bonded to one another, the frame and one sheet allowing both sheets to be tension adjusted. The sheets react with one another so that the membrane is contoured and focussable by further adjusting the tension in one sheet.    The frame is e.g. cylindrical or polygonal and has an L-shaped offset to seat a tubular inflatable ribber bladder for tensioning the membrane, which consists of two fairly thin resiliently elastic sheets bonded together and with a top reflective layer, e.g. aluminised polyester film.    ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight unit which can be made with inexpensive materials and operates efficiently.
The piezoelectric generator includes a piezoelectric bending element and a device for mounting that element in an acoustic energy path. The generator also includes a tuning device mounted to the free end of the piezoelectric bending element to set the resonant frequency of oscillation of the piezoelectric bending element within a predetermined frequency range. The tuning device may include simply a mass, or it may include an oscillator member for supporting the oscillator member in spaced relation to the piezoelectric bending element. Pref. the oscillator member is a plate.    Alternatively, the bending element may be disk-shaped supported near its edges with the tuning mass near its centre, or supported at the centre with the tuning mass near its edge, or supported by the gas containing the acoustic energy which is directed at the disk by a conduit, and the tuning mass may be either at the edge or the centre, or both.    USE -   In exhaust system of motor vehicle.
The lens has a variable chamber adapted to be filled with an optically clear fluid, liquid or gaseous, the pressure of which is regulated by adjusting the volume of the chamber containing it. The chamber is closed at opposite ends by resilient optically clear diaphragm elements which bend or bulge with varying degrees of curvature responsive to pressure changes induced in the fluid within the chamber to establish the optical parameters of the lens.    A pair of axially adjustable threaded telescoping sleeves define a chamber for a suitable optical fluid. The opposite outer ends of the chamber may be closed by a pair of thin resilient optical discs formed of available plastics material. The discs have their curvatures altered in response to changes in pressure in the fluid filling the chamber. Two or more spaced discs can be employed in the system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For objective lens in astronomical telescope, projection lens in TV receiver, aerial or satellite camera lenses and for solar generating devices. Eliminates glass grinding and polishing and reduces cost.
Method is carried out by deforming elastic plate by pressure drop and application of facet reinforcement material. The deformation is carried out by pressure drop plate blowing. The reinforcement material is applied onto the pressure drop deformed plate. A separation layer is placed on the deformed plate surface. A metallised polymer film is used as a separating layer.    ADVANTAGE -   In order to increase the geometric accuracy, the elastic plate is prestretched in mutually perpendicular directions with a given relative elongations which are controlled according to the coordinate grid applied on the plate. Bul.46/15.12.83.
An energy absorber is focally positioned with respect to a concentrator. The system can be realigned to track the sun. A sensor determines when the system must be realigned. The sensor comprises a radiation detector for providing a signal responsive to impinging radiation. THe sensor also focuses the radiation into an astigmatic image positioned on the detector to generate the alignment signals.    The shaped concentrator is moved about an axis of rotation, and the focusing device provides an acquisition angle of up to 180 deg. measured along the axis of rotation. (First major country equivalent to IL--63740)
The thermoelectric device (15) includes electrically interconnected thermoelectric elements (4,6) and a rigidly affixed substrate (10). Thermal stress is relieved by using flexible conductors (18) to interconnect the elements and by the use of a flexible joint (28) to attach a second substrate (26) to the remainder of the device (15).    Complete elimination of the second substrate may also be used to eliminate stress. Presence of the rigidly affixed substrate gives the device sufficient structural integrity to enable it to withstand rugged conditions.
The device includes at least two thermoelectric elements formed from powders compressed in one direction. A coupler establishes a current path through the elements. The elements and the coupler are arranged for establishing the path in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.    The coupler includes a first set of conducting plate segments, each segment having an inner surface. The coupler also has a second set of plate segments, each having an inner surface and being spaced from the surfaces of the first segment. The elements are disposed between the two segments and are fastened to the inner surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Takes advantage of anisotropy of materials employed to provide an increased power output, yet device.
Device comprises (a) a number of spaced apart thermoelectric elements; (b) electrical couplings connecting the elements in a predetermined pattern; and (c) an encapsulant material covering the exposed surfaces of the elements and providing void spaces between them, and pref. also contacting the couplings to maintain them in fixed position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Structures are partic. useful in devices using low temp. waste heat. They provide improved conversion efficiency, with no thermal losses through substrates, and the voids confine all the heat flow through the devices. The devices have better structural integrity than previous substrateless structure.
The collector has an absorber plate and a glazing panel spaced from at least one side of the absorber plate. A cap is coupled to and extends along one edge of the absorber plate and a depending leg extends over the complimentary edge of the glazing panel. The cap is formed with at least one air channel conforming in shape to the cross-sectional shape of the cap and having air inlet adjacent the bottom of a leg of the cap in communication with the channel and adapted to permit currents of cooling air to pass through from the inlet to the outlet, thereby maintaining the complimentary edge of the glazing panel relatively cool.    Pref. the collector is mounted edgewide adjacent the bottom of a parabolic trough-type reflector and has a glazing panel on both of its exposed sides.    ADVANTAGE -   Is inexpensive to manufacture and install. Deterioration of an insulating or glazine panel is reduced.
The collector is supported by a cradle mounted on a base (1). The cradle comprises a collector plate consisting of at least two stages of mirrors (3a,3b) each made up in a frame (3) of square truncated pyramid shape which extends from the collector plate (4). The first stage mirrors placed nearest the collector plate are inclined at 120 deg. inclination and the second stage mirrors are inclined at an angle of 113 to 117 deg.    A heat recovery circuit comprises a reservoir located behind the collector plate (4) and connected to inlet/outlet tubes which are enclosed partially in the cradle and base. The cradle (2) comprises U-shaped bracket (8) on which is hinged the reflector frame (3) in the top section of the bracket arms. The bracket is fixed to a circular rotating plate (5) whose edge is equipped with teeth which engage with a friction roller (7) driven by an electric motor located in base (1). A device mounted on the circular plate regulates the reflector orientation.    ADVANTAGE -   Temperatures exceeding 200 deg C may be obtained at the collector plate uniformly receiving heat radiation.
The device consists of a tower structure (100) which is open along its vertical axis containing central large holes. Sheet metal armatures (101) are supported on the tower in a radial formation at equal spacings. The armatures are covered with panels (102,103) designed either to capture the ultra violet rays to heat the armature plates or to transform the solar rays with direct electrical energy. The armatures (101) are extended in the tower centre with paddles (104) assembled at an angle less than 180 degrees so that the air flowing in the disection of arrows FA is directed tangentially towards the centre.    Hinged shutters (107) are mounted vertically on the internal extremities of the paddles (104) in order to open or close under the influence of the wind the passages between the paddles. This causes a vortex or eddy current which increases the velocity of wind travelling up the tower thereby improving the output of the paddle wheel mounted in the tower top section which drives the electrical generator.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient in collecting and directing wind power without incurring losses.
The collector is integrated with roof framework which has rafters crossing horizontal strips on which the overlapping modular elements are placed. The modules are pick-ups (7) and are of identical shape to traditional tiles but in a transparent material.    Radiation absorbers (4) comprising an internal circulation circuit of heat-carrying fluid are disposed longitudinally under the overlapping elements between the horizontal strips fixed to the roof rafters. An insulating and reflecting film (9) is placed under the absorbers and on the rafters. Fibreglass insulation is placed between the rafters.    ADVANTAGE -   Because the solar pick-up modules have the same size and shape as traditional roof tiles they may be easily integrated into a roof.
The mechanism converts water movement energy into electrical power. An oscillation component (10) enters into alternating motion with a stroke component (14) feeding potential energy to spheres (26) having a high density.    The spheres can be stored, and their potential energy is convertible to other forms. The oscillation component (10) is a rotary pendulum set in motion by fluid flow, and is connected to a stroke component (14) in the form of a delivery system which brings the spheres (26) into a store (18). From the store, the spheres may be fed to a flywheel (22) used to drive a generator (30).    ADVANTAGE -   The mechanism is simple, mobile, and readily accessible with a low wear factor.
Increasing then decreasing temp. differences in the thermoelectric material of the generator are cyclically produced. The temp. of part of the material is increased to at least exceeding the melting temp. of the material. A cyclically increasing then decreasing electrical generator output signal is generated, in response to the temp. differences, to transmit power generated by the generator away from the generator.    The temp. of the material is increased without melting it. Heat is cyclically provided to the material, and is produced by combustion. The signal comprises an inductor voltage for a loop about a magnetic core. The generator has fins to conduct heat toward or away from the alternating spaces between adjacent layers of different types of material.
Radiant energy reflector has a curved support surface (24) with a partially stretched laminate (12), of an extensible metal foil secured to a polymeric film, cold stretch bonded thereto. The polymer film (20) is thicker than the metal foil (16) and has an ultimate elongation greater than 30% an ultimate tensile strength of not greater than 21000 psi and an ultimate yield strength not greater than 8000 psi.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Reflector for radio frequency energy or light, e.g. a solar energy collector. The laminate has a high reflectance and is elastic enough to be stretched over a support having a complex shape.
The machine includes a pair of triangular elongate parallel arms with the apex of the longer sides connected to a float. The apex of the long and short sides are pivotally connected to a pier. Several pumps are provided on the pier each including a horizontal cylinder, a piston and a horizontal piston rod. The pumps enable a compressed fluid to be stored in a storage structure.    A horizontal shaft is pivotally connected with the piston rods of the pumps. The shaft is also connected with the other end of each of the arms at approximately the apex of the short side and the other long side. Upward and downward movement of the float in response to wave action alternately produces compression and intake strokes of the pistons of the pumps. When the piston of one pump is moving in a compression direction, the piston of another pump is moving in an intake direction.    USE -   For extracting energy from deep waves in oceans or seas.
The float which rises and falls with wave movements across the surface of a body of water. A hollow tube having a turbine located inside it is located vertically downward from the float and is connected to it by connecting members. The hollow tube is positioned at a depth which is displaced sufficient from the surface of the body of water so as not to be influenced by vertical water movement associated with the waves moving across the surface of the body of water.    The tube is moved upwardly and downwardly through the water at that depth in response to movement of the float by the waves on the surface of the water. Movement of the tube upwardly and downwardly at the depth causes rotation of the turbine located in the tube, with the turbine in turn rotating the connecting member to transfer the rotational motion to the surface.    USE -   The rotational motion of the turbine is used to drive a generator to produce electricity.
Material comprises a body of PbTe and a modifying element which forms solid phase alloys with Te but not with Pb. The body includes at least the three specified phases, and opt. a fourth phase of Pb.    The thermoelectric material is made by (a) forming a particulate mixt. of 99-95 wt.% PbTe and 1-5 wt.% modifying element, as above; (b) compressing (part of) the mixt. to form a compacted body; and (c) sintering to form the material.S    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Generation of electricity from waste heat, esp. at temps. up to 300 deg.C. The material has a figure of merit up to, e.g. 1.2 for temps. up to 300 deg.C, which is acceptable for commercial applications. It has satisfactory electrical conductivity, e.g. ranging from about 1600 ohm-1 cm-1 at 50 deg.C to 200 ohm-1cm-1 at 300 deg.C. The body is mfd. at a commercially acceptable high rate for high vol. mass prodn.
The rectangular solar cell with a pattern of conductors (3) on its surface (2) one side, arranged in lines and columns has two connectors (6) made of e.g. aluminium, copper or silvered copper each extending from front to rear between two columns of conductors. To enable a large area solar cell to be built up, the ends of each connector project beyond the front and rear edges of the rectangular unit, so that they can be connected to adjacent conductors. Each connector also has a central loop (5) projecting upwards. When a unit is divided to form a required pattern, the loop is cut also, giving project ends for connection.    In an alternative design, each connector has overlapping inner ends, ends, so that when the unit is divided, the connector does not need to be cut. In another method, where the unit is to be subdivided into smaller sections, the conductor is divided into shorter lengths.    ADVANTAGE -   Irregular patterns can be built up, as required.
The module comprises first and second independently operable panels of solar cells having different band gaps, stacked one on top of the other with the cells facing each other in optical series; and an interface layer (40) of optically transparent, electrically insulating, pref. thermally stable material between the panels. The material is pref. a solid adhering the panels together, esp. contg. polyvinyl butyral, silicone or ethylene vinyl acetate as major constituent. The first panel comprises a first array of thin film solar cells formed on an optically transparent substrate (12), (some) electrically interconnected in series, having a first transparent conductor between substrate and cell array and a second transparent conductive layer on the other side of the cells. The second conductor has a thickness such that light passing through it is optically at the peak spectral response of the second panel. The second panel includes a second substrate (22) carrying a second array of solar cells (24,26,28), (some) electrically series interconnected.    ADVANTAGE -   Panels are independently mfd., allowing optimised conditions, no lattice matching; and independently operated, allowing selective output and no short circuit current matching. A tailored response is provided with max. collection efficiency with min. cost increase.
Unit consists of a series of floats (1) on a composite shaft (2) which has compensating elements (4) in between its separate sections.    As a wave passes through the unit the floats strive to rise with the wave crest, turning relative to the shaft axis and transmitting a torque to it. After the wave crest has passed the floats fall by gravity, and any shaft oscillations resulting from uneven efforts applied to the floats are damped by the flexible couplings. When the waves spread in directions not perpendicular to the shaft axis, the unwanted wave impacts on the sides of the floats and is received and damped by the perforated partitions.    ADVANTAGE -   For greater reliability the compensating elements are in the form of flexible couplings, while in between the floats there are perforated partitions (5). Bul.45/7.12.83.
Module, functioning in direct solar radiation or in low concn. conditions, consists of several solar cells mounted on an insulating plate support provided with orifices. The plate is arranged in a parallel plane inside 2 glass panes which are sealed in a metal frame with an epoxy resin. The parallel arrangement is ensured by means of metal spacers. After removing the electric contacts, the internal vol. created between the 2 glass panes is filled with silicone oil, by means of filling devices and the expulsion of air.
A chain (3) runs over a chain wheel (1). On one end of the chain is a weight (G) and a cable (11) is connected to the other end. The cable runs around two pulleys (12,13) and ends in a small tensioning weight (14). The chain wheel is mounted on a shaft (3) connected via a gearbox (4) to the shaft (5) of a dynamo (6).    A wind-vane governor plate (21) is linked to the dynamo shaft (5) by a cord (19) and pulleys (18,20). When the weight (g) reaches the ground, it is raised again by pulling the free end (14) of the cable. During raising, a spring-loaded (16) ratchet (17) and pawl (15) arrangement disengages the wheel (1) from the shaft (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Hand-operated and simple.
The pivoting reflector mirror (2) follower drive (5) has two connected auxiliary collectors (6) arranged to position themselves so as to acquire energy equally. Each has a thermal acquisition and transport element (7) in the form of oppositely connected thermal pipes.    The auxiliary collectors (6) have auxiliary reflectors (9) for concentrating radiation in the region of the heat pipes and to simultaneously provide a radiation screen. Plate-shaped absorption or adsorption collector elements may be used, pref. of an inverted V shape. The follower drive, and possibly the reflector mirrors, are mounted in a protective envelope, pref. a partially evacuated glass tube.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement eliminates external power sources and complex controllers.
As the wave crest passes floats (1) rise and rotate about fixed shaft (5) and drive segment (6), in turn driving gears (7) to rotate power take off shaft (4). Ratchet (3) allows free return of the floats and segments.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliability is improved by additionally incorporating a fixed shaft, toothed ring segments mounted on the floats and meshing with gears. The floats have freedom to rotate on the fixed shaft. Bul.43/23.11.83.
The tracking system moves on an arch shaped track about several axes. Motion about its second axis and any further axes is coupled to motion about its first axis by a tracking member with a moving linkage. The tracking member (5) pivots about a linkage point (C) fixed w.r.t. the main movement and lying outside the first axis (2).    The first axis is vertical and carries a horizontal axis (3). The moving linkage point and the fixed linkage point (C) of the tracking member lie in a vertical plane of symmetry when the system has its highest setting (smallest inclination). The tracking member's moving linkage point follows the arc of a circle whose centre is the intersection (A) of the axes.    USE -   For photovoltage generator, solar cooker or heliostat.
This Fresnel lens is divided divided into zones, which are symmetrical about a centre axis. The prisms of each zone are so arranged that they bend the incoming parallel suns rays onto a certain area.    The light from each zone falls upon the same area with uniform intensity. The zones can also be arranged so they focus the light onto a ring area where collector pipes are situated.
The photovoltaic cells on a solar panel are connected directly to the accumulator supplying current to a lamp via a switch which can be operated remotely. The panel is placed pref. on the south-facing slope (for applications in the Northern Hemisphere) of the skylight, the opposite slope having a double thickness of the acrylic resin or other synthetic material.    The lamp is pref. a tubular one positioned adjacent to the window sill opposite the accumulator, which is near the lower edge of the panel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A self-contained day and night lighting unit is constituted without the customary electricity supply cabling through walls and ceilings. Low-voltage night lighting increases the security of e.g. shops and warehouses equipped with such appts.
A hollow buoy is provided and has inner and outer surfaces. One or more windings are mounted to the buoy parallel to its surfaces with each winding having a pair of ends. It is pref. that the buoy be spherical and that the windings be embedded in the wall of the buoy along great circles of it. A magnetised device, which is pref. a ball, is located within the buoy for rolling back and forth. A device is connected to the ends of each winding for rectifying the current flow from it as the ball rotates around in the buoy due to wave action.    With this arrangement the buoy can be moored in the ocean and the wave motion will cause the flux lines of the magnetised ball to cut the windings and cause electrical current to be provided for powering oceanographic equipment or charging an energy storage device.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Is easy to construct, operable for extended periods of time without maintenance and maximises current output from wave motion.
Process comprises (a) introducing a thermally stable, non-corrosive, non-aq. fluid (I) onto the formation through an injection well; (b) forcing (I) through the formation; and (c) recovering the heated, brine-free (I) from the formation through a producing well.S    USES/ADVANTAGES -   The recovered (I) may be used for driving turbines or an heat exchange fluids, or the process may simply be used to preheat fluids prior to combustion. The use of non-aq. fluids eliminates corrosion and scaling problems and is more flexible in that it allows fluids with a wide variety of temp-pressure curves to be employed.
To increase the power generation of the wave installation, on the piers (6) on the part next to the reflecting walls (7,8) and on the opposite end next to the water area are made as cylindrical guides (11,17) holding vertical floating cylinders (10,16) linked to gates (9). In their lower part the cylindrical guides (11,17) have canals (12,18) communicating with the water area. One of the canals communicating with the water area and which is positioned nearest to the reflecting walls (7,8) projects into the water area to at least a half wave length. Bul.42/15.11.83.
Wave power damper consists of a pontoon (1), a visor (2), anchor links (3) and weights (4) positioned on the sea bed.    As a wave approaches the pontoon (1), it causes it to float up, as a result of which it rocks around the point where it is anchored. The anchor system (4.3) and the vertical visor (2) prevent horizontal displacement of the pontoon (1). The visor (2) also impedes the passage of what remains undamped of the waves after they have interacted with the pontoon (1). By correct selection of the dimensions, form and mass of the pontoon (1), it is possible to make a floating wave breaker which fully entraps the wave while at the same time load on the anchor system (4,3) is reduced as compared with the prototype. Bul.42/15.11.83.
Photovoltaic device is formed by: forming spaced oxide electrode layers on the insulating surface of a substrate; depositing continuous photoelectric semiconductor and second electrode films; patterning them to correspond to the first oxide electrode regions; and depositing a series coupling electrode layer (I) through an apertured mask contacting portions of the first electrode regions exposed during the patterning step and adjacent second electrode regions. (I) comprises a dual layer of Pt, Au, Ag, Ti or Ni or their alloys overlaid with Al.    ADVANTAGE -   The first layer of (I) prevents the Al layer from oxidn. through contact with the first electrode oxide layer. (claimed). (First major country equivalent to J59103383 -A)
The device comprises series connected elements each comprising a semi-conductor photoelectric layer sandwiched between a first electrode on a substrate and an opposed second electrode. At least one of the electrodes comprises a conductive metal oxide layer contacting the semiconductor and a conductive layer on the metal oxide.    Specifically, n (integer larger than 1) elements are formed side by side on an insulating layer on a transparent substrate. The first electrodes are transparent. The semiconductor layer is a non-single-crystal laminate contg. a junction. The second electrodes are layered, as above, and include extensions coupling the second electrode of one cell with the first electrode of the adjacent cell. Isolation portions, pref. grooves, separate second electrodes.    ADVANTAGES -   The conductive metal oxide is chemically stable, forming and maintaining good contact with the semiconductor. The device has high photoelectric conversion efficiency with no deterioration over long periods.
Mirror comprising successive layers of optically-transparent and reflective materials has the operating range extended to temperatures at which the reflecting layer melts by introducing nonaligned holes through the successive reflective layers, while the layers of transparent glass are interconnected through these holes and around the periphery of the mirror.    The incident light passes through outer layer (1), consisting of a film of A12 03, and is reflected from the first layer of Aluminium foil. Part of the radiation passes through the holes in the first aluminium layer and intermediate transparent layer and is reflected from the second reflective layer, sharing the heat dissipation between the two layers. Bul.41/7.11.83
Power plant has cofocal primary and secondary concentrators, latter provided with cylindrical body with inlet opening and inner mirror surface, and a tubular solar radiation receiver placed in the body. In order to increase the efficiency, the plant is provided with a second tubular receiver placed in the primary concentrator focus.    The concentrator is made as a cylindrical lens, situated in the inlet opening. The body is provided with a cowling which forms a gap filled with heat-absorbing carrier. The tubular receivers are made of optically transparent material. The first receiver is placed in the body focal plant, symmetrically to the second concentrator w.r.t. body horizontal symmetry plane. The secondary concentrator is ellipsoidal in shape. Both tubular receivers and the gap are hydraulically connected to each other by a distributor. Bul.4/30.1.83.
The unit has a moving base and light sensitive detector. In order to widen the operation range, the unit is provided with a gyro platform and two coordinate suspensions with turning drives placed on the platform, direction detector, placed optically coaxial with light sensitive detector. The direction detector and the light sensitive detector are placed on the two coordinate suspensions.The direction detector is electrically connected to the suspension rotation drive and the light sensitive detector is connected to the facets rotation drives. The heliostatic can have a second two coordinate suspension with rotation drives, electrically connected to the light    sensitive detector. Bul.4/30.1.83
Device comprises (a) a light transparent substrate having an insulating surface; (b) n (where n=integer greater than 1) semiconductor elements formed on the insulating surface and connected in series, each comprising (c) a first light transparent electrode on the substrate; (d) a non-single-crystal semiconductor laminate (Q) contg. a semiconductor junction, on the first electrode; (e) a second electrode on the semiconductor, having a layered structure including a conductive metal oxide contacting the semiconductor; (f) extensions of the second electrode structure contacting the first electrode of the previous element; and (g) isolation regions sepg. the second electrodes.    The device is mfd. by (i) forming a transparent conductive layer on the insulating surface of the substrate; (ii) laser scanning to form n-1 grooves sepg. n electrodes; (iii) forming the semiconductor laminate layer; (iv) laser scanning to form n-1 grooves sepg. n elements and exposing the first electrodes; (v) forming the layered second electrode layer; and (vi) laser scanning to form isolating grooves sepg. n second electrodes.    ADVANTAGES -   The conductive metal oxide of the second electrode is chemically stable in contact with the semiconductor, to provide and maintain good high photoelectric conversion efficiency and no deterioration of characteristics over a long period.
The mirror module is formed having a mirror laid upon a soild rigid supporting bed in one or more sections, with or without focusing. A mirror backing sheet is applied by first applying respective thin layers of silicone grease and then progressively rolling application to eliminate air bubbles.    A substrate assembly is affixed to the mirror backing sheet to form a mirror module that does not curve because of thermally induced stresses and differential thermal expansion or contraction effects.    ADVANTAGE -   The silicone grease also serves to dampen fluttering of the mirror and protects the mirror backside against adverse effects of the weather.
The mechanism is capable of continuing tracking the sun if the sun disappears for a period of time and then reappears. An array of sensor reflectors (5a-5b etc.), each aligned at a progressively different angle, direct collected sunlight on to a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy element (6a,6b etc.) in the form of a coil which shrinks in length as its temperature mechanism (9a,9b etc) to a corresponding array of wire drums (11) on the worm shaft (13) meshing with the wheel (14) rigidly attached to the main parabolic reflector (3).    Each SMA element will change in temperature as the sun moves along its track and the mechanism will align the main reflector to the direction faced by the sensor reflector associated with the hottest SMA element.    ADVANTAGE -   mechanism requires no external power supply or electronic devices.
The device comprises a cushion which is compressed by the wheel of the braked vehicle, with a valve at one end allowing the displaced fluid to be fed to a turbine for driving an electrical generator via a pressure equalising space.    The cushion is in the form of a series of adjacent loops each of about the same length as a vehicle, but with a dia. which is only a fraction of the width of the wheel, the valve lying at the travel direction end of each loop. All the loops are pref. coupled to a common pressure equalisation space, with the generator driven by the turbine coupled to a storage battery set.    USES -   a device can be employed at a road junction to recover the braking energy of each approaching vehicle.
The solar cells are carried on a rectangular frame which is tilted about a horizontal beam . The frame has a hollow rectangular section which provides support and protection for the electric cables . A support beam is pivoted from a bracket mounted at the end of a cross arm of a 'T' shaped support pylon which is fixed in the ground.    ADVANTAGE -   The supports reduce the civil works required in levelling the site, even on sloping terrain, permit equal spacing of the supports, reducing the number of supports required and standardising the fitting of panels, and provides protection for the electric cables carrying power from the panels to the power cables carrying power away to user loads.
The system includes a concentrator comprising an envelope formed by two closely-spaced concave sidewalls which define a chamber for the reflective metal. The inner wall is transparent so that the liquid metal is exposed to the incident solar radiation for preheating. The reflective surface of the liquid metal in chamber focuses the incident radiation onto a tubular receiver, the interior of which is in communication with the chamber.    Vapour generated in the receiver is discharged via an internal co-axial outlet tube. Heat transfer is improved by the use of a tubular baffle arranged co-axially within the receiver. Vapour from the concentrator is fed through a magneto-hydrodynamic generator for producing electrical power and then to a condenser where heat from the metal is used to heat water.
The drop-out compensator, comprises a drop-out sensor for generating a drop-out sensor signal to be applied to a drop-out compensator circuit (24) provided in a transmission line of a playback main channel signal. A delay (30,31) device is connected to the drop-out sensor for generating a second drop-out sensor signal to be applied to a drop-out compensator circuit (29) provided in a transmission line of a playback sub channel signal.    The circuit construction of the drop-out sensor is thus simplified while maintaining the accurate compensation operations on the main channel signal and the sub channel signal. The device is pref. a pair of retriggerable monostable multivibrators connected in series with each other.
The arrangement for generating power (10) consists of elongated housings (12) sub-divided into compartments (14) in series, and each defining an internal chamber for receiving air and water. The compartments have water inlets in the form of an aperture (16) in a side wall as well as air outlets (18) and inlets (20)    These outlets and inlets are respectively connected to a high pressure air conduit (22) and a low pressure air conduit (24) via one way valves (26,28). The conduits are joined to an air turbine unit (30) driven by air flow. The housing (12) is made for placing on the sea bed (32) in an area of wave motion. After installation, air is pumped into the housing. (Provisional Basic advised week 8427 )
A series of floats are positioned between concrete wave magnifiers. A float is attached through a series of shafts to a piston. The up and down action of the float produces a pumping action in a hydraulic cylinder. The pressure build up from the pumping action is stored in a series of accumulator tanks and then released in a controlled fashion to drive a turbine-electric generator combination.    The hydraulic fluid from the turbine and any excess in the accumulator tanks are transferred to a series of reservoir tanks which supply the piston with renewed hydraulic fluid.
A photovoltaic battery comprises (a) a substrate having a number of spaced alternately interdigited conductive layers (32, 38, 50-53 formed on its surface; (b) a set of discrete first type semiconductor bodies (30) positioned on one side of each conductive layer, contg. first and second type regions defining a pn junction, with the first-type region contacting the conductors; (c) a second set of discrete second type semi-conductor bodies (36) positioned on the opposite side of each conductive layer, contg. first and second type regions defining a pn junction, with the second type region contacting the conductor; and (d) a number of transparent conductive layers (44, 45) over-lying the sets of discrete semiconductor bodies, electrically interconnecting the second type regions of the first bodies and first type regions of the second bodies, so photons impinging on the bodies generate a voltage between adjacent ones of the lower conductors.    The batteries, useful as solar panels are readily constructed and requir no electrolyte.
The concentrator comprises at least one row of arrays each including spaced adjacent modules, interconnected and rotatably supported as a unit. Each end of each array is connected for supporting the array and allowing controlled rotation. Each module (14) is cylindrical with a semi-cylindrical housing (16) and transparent semi-cylindrical cover (20).    In each module is at least one parabolic reflector panel (22) secured to the housing with each end extending a given distance into the space between modules. A unit (24) is mounted within each cover and optically aligned to receive concentrated solar energy and convert it into electrical power. Each cover is pref. of thin acrylic resin sheet, and reflector panels are secured to a moulded foam frame.    The arrangement eliminates the problem of shadowing.
The solar energy accumulator comprises a number of optical systems for focussing sun-light, and a fluid conduit made of transparent material positioned so that the light passes through it. In the fluid conduit is an induction substance which produces photo-chemical reaction through light and stored energy.
The appts. comprises a device movably attached to a frame to react with the waves by converting their kinetic energy to a high pressure fluid for driving a turbine. The device comprises a supporting carriage (2) movable horizontally relative to the frame (11,16). A pontoon construction (1) is connected to the supporting carriage and moves along with the wave movement.    A locking device (9) is used for the pontoon construction (1) in the highest and lowest positions reached by it moving along with the wave. The locking device then releases it again after the wave crest/trough has moved forwards so that the pontoon construction is then almost completely above/below the water surface. Single-acting or double-acting high-pressure fluid pumps (12) connected to the pontoon construction convert the energy of the free movement of the pontoon construction to hydraulic pressure.
The apparatus comprises a wall with a number of compartments (10) separated by vertical and horizontal partitions (3). The water of a wave covers the entrance of at least one compartment and then enters the compartment, and the wave advance forces the air in that compartment through a conduit (12), past a non-return valve (4) and into a storage tank (5), from which the compressed air may then be supplied to a turbine. The partitions between compartments assure that while the entrance to one compartment may be covered with water so that the air inside is forced to the storage tank, the air does not escape through other compartments which are not covered.
Large area photovoltaic cell comprising a matrix of isolated, small area segments each having a conductive common substrate, a semiconductor body and a transparent conductive coating, includes a pattern (24) of insulating material on the semiconductor body (12a-c) which divides the large area cell (10) into a matrix of small area segments. The thickness of (24) is greater than the thickness of the transparent conductive coating (22) such that the insulating material separates and isolates the small area segments. Pref. pattern (24) is 25 micron thick and is made of an Si paste. The pattern pref. also covers the borders of the cell which are pref. 3-19 mm. wide.    Used in prodn. of stacked p-i-n cells or Schottky or MIS type cells. Prodn. of the cell can be by batch or continuous strip process and the method eliminates the need for the scribing steps of the prior art.
A platform is ballasted to float partially submerged and within it are guides constraining a 'motivator buoy' which reciprocates vertically by the wave action. The buoy lifts water in the piston and cylinder through the non-return valves into a pressurised storage compartment which includes air as the compressible medium.    From the storage compartment, the water is directed through a turbine to drive a generator. The water exhausted from the turbine is discharged at a point above sea level.    The modules of this form may be linked by an above-water framework to form continuous arrays. A continuous not intermittent output is produced because of the resilience of the controllable pressure water storage arrangements.
The appts. comprises at least one inner solar energy collecting surface for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy into electrical energy. The lower end of the inner collecting surface is pivotally mounted to the front of the main base such that the collecting surface is free to pivot about the mounting axis between about 0 and about 90 degrees above the horizontal.    At least one inner support member for each inner collecting surface, the inner support member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the inner support member is pivotally connected in proximity to the upper end of the inner collecting surface. The second end of the inner support member is connected to the main base such that the inner collecting may be positioned at any angle between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees above the horizontal plane.
Photoelectric conversion device consists of semiconductor elements U(l) to U(n) formed on a substrate with an insulating surface. The element U(j) has a first electrode E(j), a non-single-crystal semiconductor laminate member Q(j) and a second electrode F(j). Second electrode F(j+1) makes contact with first electrode E(j) through a coupling portion K(j) formed by an extension of electrode F(j+1).    E(j) has a conductive first metal oxide layer and F(j) and K(j) have a conductive second metal oxide layer, the metal oxide of K(j) being coupled with the metal oxide of E(j).    Use of conductive metal oxides stabilises the contact resistance between K(j) and E(j) and so maintains high device conversion efficiency over long periods.
The strip has a large area web of substrate material upon which several semiconductor layers are deposited. On top of the semiconductor layers a transparent, conductive coating of high electrical conductivity and high light transmissivity is deposited. The surface area of the semiconductor layers of a solar cell material (10) is divided into several electrically isolated segments (26).    The isolated segments are formed by discrete portions of the transparent, conductive coating. A grid pattern (24) is laid over the coating which has had a photoresist solution applied and preheated to leave a thin film as residue. An electrically-insulating, continuous, protective covering encapsulates the solar cells to form either a modularised roll or stack. The cells are used as roof top installations.
The power station has a container into which water flows. From the container the water passes via pipes and valve to a blade wheel, which it rotates. The blade wheel drives an electrical generator.    A second container tapers downwards and contains a helical guide that causes the down-flowing water to rotate as a whirlpool and produce suction. The rotating water travels up via a rising pipe to the surface of the sea or lake and creates suction on the water-outlet side of the blade wheel.
The control system is used to regulate the output of alternative energy sources such as windmills or solar cells so as to obtain the max. possible loading under different conditions. In particular, the current-voltage characteristics of solar cells may alter with changes in temp. The solar cell array (5) may be connected to an adjustment circuit (6) which may be a chopper, which in turn is connected to a load (7). This may be a storage battery.    A resistor (9) is connected across the solar cell array terminals. It is also connected to a regulating circuit (10). This circuit is designed to adjust the current to maximise the power output from the solar cells. The circuit also includes a voltage regulator (13), and a device regulating the action of the chopper
The solar power plant has a stand which turns w.r.t. the vertical axis and carries a hinged framework with horizontal rotation axis, an elastically deforming reflection plate, attached along the framework perimeter, and reflection plate curvature variation mechanism which has a shaft which can displace w.r.t. the framework.    To simplify the construction, the framework and the central hinge have coaxial openings, whose axis passes through the unit rotation axes cross-section point on the hinge. The curvature variation mechanism is additionally provided with guide with a slide. The shaft passes through the framework and hinge openings and at the other end is hinged on the slide. Bul.35/23.9.83.
The solar power plant has a radiation receiver with rotating chute type concentrator and tracking system, made as a pair of thermally sensitive detectors and hydraulically connected bellows, whose outlet shafts are connected to the concentrator by means of T-shaped plank.    To increase the tracking accuracy, it is provided with a platform with central opening and a bearing, a pair of braking pipes placed on the receiver, and two throttles. The braking pipes at one end are hydraulically connected to each other and through distributor piston to the thermo-sensitive detectors and at the other end are coupled with each other and placed in the platform central opening. The throttles are placed at bellows inlets. The thermo-sensitive detectors are placed in concentrator focus and can turn. Bul.35/23.9.83.
Appts. comprises device for forming a single-dimensional mesh of with a conductive bus and depositing a transparent plate onto the mesh; means for bringing a front surface of a semiconductor wafer into contact with the plate and the mesh; and means for electrostatically bonding the plate and wafer together with the mesh encapsulated between them.    Pref. appts. also includes a device for heating and softening the surface of the plate so that the mesh is pressed into it.    Appts. provides an effective and low cost and is pref. automatic and conveyorised.
The device includes a hollow spherical vessel (10) having a polished reflective interior surface. A window (32) is provided in the wall of the vessel for allowing concentrated rays from the sun to enter into the interior and be absorbed by a solar collector (20). The collector includes a black (or a selective coating) heat absorbing surface on a sphere (16) which is centrally located within the vessel.    Heat absorbing media (18) such as metal shots are carried within the sphere and change from a solid state to a liq. state as it absorbs the solar energy. The heat absorbing media (18) cause energy to be radiated radially in a symmetric beam pattern to the reflective vessel wall where the radiation is reflected back to the sphere (16). The reflected radiant energy, in conjunction with the sun's rays, intensify the temperature of the heat absorbing media, producing a thermal power supply.
The solar concentrator focuses radiation into an opening in the receiver. A shutter mechanism is mounted across the opening and is stored in an open configuration to avoid blocking the opening. In cases of coolant failure in the receiver, or tracking failure in the concentrator, shutter moves to close the opening whilst also moving away from the opening and closer to concentrator.    Closed position of shutter is spaced from the opening by about the width of the opening, as measured along an imaginary centreline which connects the middle of the concentrator and opening. The shutter includes a fuse wire, which can be broken by concentrated sunlight, having a portion surrounding the opening and another portion supporting the shutter mechanism against moving to the closed position.
System consists of solar radiation sensitive element (1) and emergency sensitive elements (2, 3) for equipment malfunction and adverse weather conditions connected to unit (4) controlling operating conditions. Sensitive element (5)    regulating turning angle of heliostats (6) and regulating unit (7) for drive mechanism (8) are electrically connected through the input (9) and output (10) commutation units with setting and correcting unit (11) and unit (4).    Automatic control system for heliostat sets (6) is electrically connected to unit (11), timer (19), functional generator (12) and to additional commutator (13) and through the latter to sensitive elements (14, 15, 16) of heliostat operating towers (17). Elements (2, 3) are connected to the input of malfunction control unit (18) sending appropriate coded signal to input of unit (4).    System operates under two basic conditions. If there is no malfunctioning system operates under first basic condition. Unit (4) emits signal to unit (11) to start operation. Unit (11) evaluates current meaning of signals from element (5) regarding position of heliostat to the time of day and through commutator (10) and unit (7) transmits information to drive mechanism (8). If unit (18) emits malfunctioning signal, system changes over to second basic condition. Unit (4) emits signal to unit (11) and depending on signal code received by unit (7) appropriate correcting is carried out by actuating mechanism (8). Bul.34/15.9.83
The orientation actuator uses electromagnets to produce frictionless and vibration-free displacement, in three dimensions, of the solar collector panels used to power a satellite. The solar collector panel is carried on a socket fitting over a ball attached to the body of the satellite. Both ball and socket contain embedded electromagnet coils (14,20).    The ball and socket are displaced by selectively energising pairs of coils. The relative position of the two parts can be determined by measurement of the electro-motive force induced in those coils which are not energised, or alternatively optical position detectors may be used.
The device comprises a pendulum (13) mounted to oscillate freely inside a floating vessel (1). Mechanical devices (21-24) are provided that use the oscillatory motion to rotate the rotor of an electrical generator solidly fixed to the main structure (9).    The lower end of pendulum (13) is fixed to an endless driving belt or chain (21) which engages on sprocket wheels (22,23) providing a circular motion which rotates sprocket wheel (24) directly coupled to the senator rotar. Adjustable counterweights (19) are mounted on each side of driving belt (21) at the lower end of pendulum (13). The device may be used to provide electrical supply in floating vessels and buoys used for navigation and distress signalling.
The positioning system employs a base (1) supporting a perpendicular rotary cylinder (2) with an angled top, in turn supporting a second cylinder (6) with a similarly angled end face, which rotates about an axis at an angle to the rotational axis (3) of the first cylinder (2). The antenna or solar generator is attached to the outer end of the second cylinder (6) via an intermediate rotary disc.    The two cylinders (2,6) are rotated relative to one another and to the base (1) via respective setting drives (4,5), each rotational axis (3) extending at 45 degrees to the two angled faces to allow position adjustment over a range of 180 degrees for each chosen position.
The system forms a temp. difference cycle from a cycle of compressing and expanding a refrigerant by a piston in a heat-insulated cylinder. The resulting temp. change is applied to a magnetic material or a substance which exhibits a phase-transition phenomenon, such as a shape memory alloy. The internal phase change of the substance is then derived as energy.    Therefore, the internal energy which is characteristic of a substance is derived by a heat effect, with a small work expenditure such as the friction losses between piston and cylinder. Thus, the invention contributes significantly to solving the energy problem.
The appts. provides efficient power generation by employing energy derived from a geothermal source through the generation of a non-destructive, dry, steam, and the consequent operation of the sub-surface turbine driven equipment for pumping extremely hot well water at high pressure to the earth's surface. The turbine driven pumping equipment is responsive to the super-heated steam exhausted from a boiler. The liquid droplets entrained in steam are separated from the vapour by either centrifugal, gravitational, or inertial separation devices.    The droplets are collected in a liquid trap, and the vapour is directed into the inlet of the turbine driven pumping equipment. The liquid collected in the trap may be harmlessly flashed back into the exhaust vapour of the turbine driven pumping equipment, hence enabling the turbine driven pumping equipment to operate most efficiently and preventing damage to the turbine.
The solar power plant tracking system detector has a body (1) with shadow screen (2) and diaphragms (3), and paired light receivers (4) placed inside the body. The light receivers have coarse and accurate azimuth tracking    optic elements (5) and (6). The detector also has zenith channels (7) and (8).    To increase the accuracy, the accurate tracking optic element (6) of each channel is made as a pair of polarised prisms (9, 10) with optic axis placed at angle to each other. One of the prisms inlet end is placed opposite the diaphragm and the outlet end of the other prism is placed symmetrically with the channel light receiver. Bul.33/7.9.83
The collector has two parallel transparent plates, each coated with a conducting film, which enclose a liquid crystal dielectric. A variable voltage applied across the dielectric controls the absorbtion of incident sunlight acting rapidly. A heat transporting fluid (liquid or gas) flowing between the absorber and a glass pane in front removes the absorbed heat. control can be automatic or manual.    Alternatively, two panes of glass may be used with one in front and one behind. The fluid flows between the absorber and the rear pane, and the front pane acts as an ordinary window. It can also include light sensitive glass, though this is not subject to external control.
The adjustable solar collector has a structure whose surface (10) is oriented w.r.t. the position of the sun. The structure has a support device (20) with a displacement mechanism (21-24) and a control mechanism for orienting the surface as a function of the sun's position, and for placing the structure in a retracted position with the surface horizontal when the wind speed exceeds a predetermined value. The horizontal level is approximately equal to or lower than the lowest operating position of the structure, and devices (16) are provided on the collector implantation position for protecting the structure and support device against the wind when the collector is in the retracted position.    The support device has elevation and orientation devices connecting the structure to a base (30) and driven by at least one motor connected to the control mechanism. The control mechanism has circuitry for comparing the measured wind speed with a predetermined maximum admissible speed variable as a function of the setting in order to impose on the structure an orientation in keeping with a setting greater than or equal to a minimum value compatible with the measured wind speed.
The power plant comprises a field of orientable heliostats capable of reflecting at least part of the solar radiation on at least part of the light guides whose exit areas accommodate radiation receivers. These are situated on at least a portion of a truss-tower.    The light guides are arranged at an angle of 5 to 90 degrees to one another and have an aperture angle of 5 to 45 deg., while the angles between the normals to the conjoint heliostats are smaller than or equal to the aperture angles of the light guides situated over at least part of the length of the truss-tower.
The rotor generator includes an elongated cylindrically shaped framework. An elongated rotor is longitudinally aligned within the framework and is rotatably mounted within. The rotor has several curved blades wich are capable of causing rotation of the rotor when there is fluid flow, such as water or air current. The rotor has a magnetic characteristic which may be provided by attaching magnets to the rotor blades or magnetizing the blades themselves. Several wires are mounted on the framework about the rotor so that when the rotor is rotated electrical current is induced in the wires.    Apparatus is provided for collecting the induced electrical current so that the electrical current can be provided for power purposes, such as charging a battery. With this arrangement the rotor generator can be placed on the bottom of the ocean where there is current flow, and utilised for charging a battery which may in turn power oceanographic equipment.
The generator comprises a buoyant float having an outer fixed shaft downwardly depending from the float with an inner rotatable drive shaft movably mounted within the outer shaft. At the lower most portion of the shaft opposite the float is a turbine affixed to the inner drive shaft opposite the float. A number of reversible vanes are movably mounted on the turbine for transmitting rotational energy to the inner drive shaft responsive to either upward or downward motion of the shaft responsive to wave action on the float. An electric generator or alternator is mounted on the float and cooperates with the inner rotatable shaft to produce an electric current responsive to the rotation of the inner shaft.
Power station system with a gas separator (3) in the line (1) which extracts the water from the borehole (2), is designed for greater economy and reliability by having the working substance feed line (9) equipped with a combustion chamber (10) linked to the gas separator. The water extraction pipe (1) and the pipes which remove the water and gas from the separator are equipped with valves (17,19,21).    When the station is in operation, the gas from the separator is fed to the combustion chamber, while the water goes to the first and subsequent expansion stages. In the combustion chamber the gas is mixed with the appropriate quantity of air and burned, with the products of combustion mixed with steam from the expansion stage and the resulting working substance is fed to the turbine (8). This raises the temperature of the working substance fed to the turbine, reduces the moisture content in the final stages and cuts down turbine erosion. Bul.32/30.8.83.
Wave power generator, consisting of a hollow pontoon containing flexible tanks (6) of gas (air) to accumulate excess wave pressure, a generating set (9) and non-return valves, is designed for more even generator rotation by having the chambers sealed and located beneath the pontoon deck (5), while the non-return valves (4) are in the sides, stem (2) and base (3).    When the generator is in operation the rising wave enters the inside of the pontoon (1) through the non-return valves, and the flow of water turns the generator and at the same time compresses the flexible gas-filled tanks. As the wave recedes the non-return valves close, and the accumulated pressure in the tanks acts on the remaining water inside the pontoon to force it through the generator and continue its rotation while waiting for the next rising wave. This gives a generator rotation which is close to being constant as the waves rise and fall. Bul.32/30.8.83.
The heliostat has a triangular frame which can rotate w.r.t. the vertical axes on a curved radial track, and a rectangular framework with mirror facets, placed on the frame by means of hinged rack. The framework is kinematically connected to the rack with the possibility of angular rotation w.r.t. horizontal plane. To reduce the drive power, the heliostat is provided with lever and stops which interact with it. The lever ends are hinged on rotating    axles, one of which is attached on the framework lower than centre of gravity, and the other is attached on the frame and is situated in its plane. The stops are attached respectively on the framework and the frame. Bul.31/23.8.83
The low or medium head hydro-electric generation installation converts the energy of flowing water or of the waves to electric energy. Vertically mobile floats rising and falling in cylinders exercise a tractive force on cables and chains which impart an alternating movement to ratchet wheels alternately driving the fly wheel and the alternator. Counterweights or springs, acting on the transmission belts, actuate water control valves.    When the floats reach their limit of travel a valve is opened to transfer water from the cylinder at a higher level with its float at the top of its travel, to the lower level cylinder with the float at the lower extremity of its travel.
The system includes at least one, pref. a number of solar panels mounted for movement along respective predetermined tracking paths such that each maintains a predetermined orientation w.r.t. the sun as the latter moves across the sky. The system also includes a single, common device which serves both as a direct insolation monitor for detecting the presence or absence of direct sunlight and as a device for detecting the position of the sun if direct sunlight is found to be present.    Each panel includes a second device mounted for sensing the position of the panel at any given time and, at the same time, for detecting whether or not the panel is at the desired orientation with the sun. The latter devices cooperate with the common device for maintaining their associated solar panels in precise, controlled orientation with the sun so long as direct sunlight is present.
If the thermopile is used to generate electricity, the heated junctions will be much larger in cross-section than the normal cross-sectional area of the conductor elements. They will also be much larger in cross-section than the junctions in the cooler zone. If the thermopile is to be used as a cooling device rather than an electric generating device and electricity is applied to the thermopile, then the cold junctions will be much larger in cross-section than the warm junctions. The cold junction cross-sectional area will also be much larger than the cross-sectional area of conductor elements of the thermopile.    In a variation of the thermopile the conductor elements are made of materials which are dissimilar to the larger cross-sectional area junctions and to each other. Also, the junctions having a smaller cross-sectional area may be made of materials dissimilar to the materials from which the conductor elements are made.
Unit comprises a body having a pump chamber with a flexible movable wall impermeable to the liq. and exposed to the waves to vary chamber vol. At least along part of the edge in the chamber there is a flexible support for the movable wall which is internally fluid pressurised.    The support may extend along the upper, lower and/or side edges, and the body at the chamber has a flat side and an inclined part with at least part of the support at the inclined part. There is pref. a shaped tail extending from the support and this or the edge of the movable wall is held in a body groove by polypropylene, PVC or teak wedges with inclined sides forming interengaging surfaces to inhibit wedge removal. The body pref. forms a plenum chamber (20) for working gas and a respective self-rectifying air turbine (32) is connected between chamber and plenum.
The kinemometer allows kinetic energy to be recorded and transformed into electrical energy. The assembly (I) is formed by an arc shaped, tubular frame (1) with buffer stops (2,3). The attachment of the device to the moving vehicle is secured through buffer (3).    A second part of the assembly consists of a moving cradle (4) which comprises one or more friction rollers (5) that guide the movement of a cradle (4) along a tube (1). An alternator (8) mounted on cradle (4) is coupled by a driving belt (7) to a driving pulley (6) linked solidly to one of the rollers (5). A counter balance weight (10) is provided to ensure a regular pendulum movement of the cradle (4) to increase the available kinetic energy.
The interconnected solar cells of the solar detector are laid between melt adhesive foils and provided on either side with protective covers. Then this assembly is subject to a temp. and pressure treatment. In the edge region of the assembly is inserted a melt adhesive foil of the same thickness as the solar cells. Round the assembly is mounted a close ring of elastic material, whose lids abut the protective covers while enclosing a cavity about the edges.    The cavity is evacuated via a suction branch under simultaneous fastening by an external pressure. Then the assembly is subject to a heat treatment at a preset velocity and temp. Pref. the assembly is connected to an annular vacuum system of an endless conveyor belt. After passing through a furnace, the assembly is given a heat treatment at a higher temp. in an autoclave.
A wave-activated power generator has a body (11a) which can float on the water surface and an air chamber (12) is formed within. A working flow path (13) is formed so as to extend from the air chamber (12) and have an open end (14) immersed in the water. At the other end, a guide flow path extends from the air chamber (12) and communicates with the atmosphere through a power-generator (7).    The motion of the water column within the working flow path (13) forms an air stream which flows from the air chamber (12) to the atmosphere through the guide flow path to drive the power-generator (7). In order to enable the generation of power by waves whose periods lie within a wide range, by increasing the period of natural oscillation of the water column even in shallow sea, the working flow path (13) of the wave-activated power generator is bent into an L-shape. The open end (14) is directed downstream with respect to the direction of advance of the waves, so that the wave motion will accelerate the motion of the water column in the working flow path (13).
The system converts the energy of surface waves in sea water to mechanical energy by an apparatus comprising an elongated buoyant helical member mounted for rotation about an axis. The member is floated on the sea surface with its axis orientated substantially parallel to the approximate mean direction of propagation of the waves.    Each wave traverses the helix lengthwise and buoyantly supports successive sections of the member causing it to ratate about its axis and the pitch of the helical member can be matched to the length of the expected wave. The helix is coupled with rotary driven means to an electrical generator which converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of a DC current which is used to electrolyze sea water to produce H2 gas.    The invention allows the kinetic energy of surface waves, which is one of the largest sources of latent power in oceans, to be stored and readily distributed as potential energy in liquified or compressed H2. Thus remote regions which have regular and uninterrupted wave patterns can be used without having to construct energy distribution networks.
The cells include a number of electrically isolated, small area segments sharing a common substrate. A semiconductor body is positioned on top of the substrate and a transparent, conductive coating is positioned on top of the semiconductor body. Electrical access to the substrate is provided either by one or more electrically conductive rivets or by one or more exposed sections to the substrate. The cell is encapsulated between protective coverings with only the connections to the electrodes extending from the cell.    The electrical interconnections include an electrically-conductive strip interconnecting the small area segments of each large area to provide a first electrode of that cell. Access to the substrate from the layered surface of each large are cell provides the second electrode of that cell. The electrodes may be electrically-interconnected in series or parallel.
The array includes a number of spaced lower electrodes on a surface of the substrate and a semiconductor layer comprising amorphous silicon cover over the lower electrodes and the surface of the substrate between the electrodes. Spaced upper electrodes are located on the upper surface of the semiconductor layer with each upper electrode overlying one of the lower electrodes to form a solar cell.    Interelectrodes electrically connect the upper electrode of one solar cell to the lower electrode of the next adjacent solar cell. The interelectrodes comprise a metal stripe contacting the upper electrode and include a portion spiked completely through the semiconductor layer and contacting the lower electrode of the adjacent cell. The upper electrode of each cell has a portion which overlies a portion of the lower electrode of the adjacent cell. The metal stripe extends along and contacts the portion of the upper electrode.
A basin of water has a solar energy transmitting cover thereover to heat the water in the basin. An air inlet provides air from a location outside the system to a location below the cover but above the water, while vertically extending air passages convey air from a location beneath the cover above the surface of the water to a heat exchanger adjacent the bottom of the basin to cool the air passing therethrough to cause gravity air flow through the heat exchanger from the air inlet, with a wind operated device under the cover for operation by air flowing therebeneath.    Generating electricity, together with solar distillation of sea water and wave operated pump for pumping sea water. System operates solely on natural energy sources including solar, wave and Coriolis forces.
Generator with a float (3) on a shaft (2) and a pinion (4) is designed for higher efficiency by having the housing (1) and pinion (4) equipped with pins (6, 7) which interact with spiral grooves (8, 9) in the shaft. The shaft has the grooves in two sections, running in opposite directions, and the pins on the pinion with the groove running in the other direction.    As the float moves up and down with the action of the waves, the shaft is rotated through the interaction of the pins in the grooves, turning the pinion (7) and generator (5) meshing with it. The fact that the    grooves run in opposite directions means that the pinion makes two revolutions for each pitch of the spiral through which the float    travels. Bul.28/30.7.83
(JP92036448-B)      Plasma vapour phase reactor comprises a plasma generator to generate a plasma in a closed space to form a 1st film on substrates held at equal spacings with a substrate holder in a reactor chamber and carrier to move the holder to another reactor chamber.    USE -   For making noncrystalline semiconductors. (J59052834-A)
(JP92058173-B)      Appts. comprises a pair of hoods disposed outside a pair of electrodes disposed in a reaction vessel. A closed space defined by the hoods and wafer holder disposed between the electrodes confines a plasma produced between the electrodes.    USE -   For making amorphous Si semiconductor devices. (J59052833-A)
A receiver has vapour generating and superheating tube panels located side-by-side to receive solar energy and interspersed in a sequence of at least twelve panels such that there is at least one panel of each type in each successive group of four panels, and pref. in each group of three panels to maintain nearly a constant absorbed power ratio between the superheating and generating tubes independently of heat flux distribution on the receiver surface.    Each panel pref. cosnsits of parallel tubes connected by webs and the superheating panels are in front of the generating panels. Each of the latter has at least one web behind a superheating tube to act as a radiation shield for the space between the panels. There is pref. at least one panel of each type in each 15 deg. of arc of a generally cylindrical arrangement, with a support maintaining panel shape out of the path of radiation.
A panel has at least two parallel vapour generating tubes leaving a gap spanned by a parallel superheating tube rearwardly of the first tubes and receiving radiation from the same direction, with a support holding the tubes in contiguous relationship.    There is pref. a transverse supporting member rearwardly of the tubes and spaced from the generating tubes by less than the superheating tube o.d., with a tie bar extending from each generating tube to the member, the bars of each alternate generating tube being attached respectively to upper and lower flanges of the member. The support pref. allows for relative expansion and contraction of the superheating tube w.r.t. the generating tubes.
The solar distn. appts. comprises an enclosed shell which floats in an upright position, providing a chamber for the vaporisation of salt-water or contaminated fresh water and condensation of potable fresh water. A light focusing system, which is pref. located in one quadrant of the shell's surface, focuses the incident radiation on one or more heating elements. A control system detects the direction of the incident radiation and automatically orients the light focusing system such that the light focusing system focuses the radiation at all times.    A salt water injection system delivers salt-water to the heating element at a predetermined rate for heat transfer from the element to the water resulting in its vaporisation. A condensation surface liquified the water vapour. The inner surface of the shell serves as the condensation area.
The turbine comprises a casing; turbine vanes rotatably set in the casing, and several partition walls which extend along radial directions from the rotation centre of the turbine vanes to define a number of steam valve chambers in the casing. Steam supply pipes are respectively connected to the corresponding steam valve chambers. Regulating valves which are fitted to the respective steam supply pipes regulate respectively the flow rate of steam of streams supplied to the respective steam valve chambers.    At least one partition wall for dividing the interior space of the steam valve chambers is provided with at least one penetrating hole for causing the steam valve chambers to communicate with each other.
Wave power motor reliability is improved by the kinematic connection being a lever with one end pivoting on the float rod, the other end - to the frame, also having two connecting    crank links freely mounted on the shaft and connected to the centre part of the lever. The ratchet wheel pawls are mounted on the crank links and act alternately on the wheel.    Float (3) and rod (4) rise on the    approaching wave rotating lever (9) and both connecting crank links (10, 11), pawl (7) idling and    pawl (8) operating and rotating ratchet wheel (6). When the float moves down crank links (10, 11) straighten, pawl (8) idling and pawl (7) operating the ratchet wheel. Bul.36/30.9.81
The tilting mechanism allows a planar surface to be tilted over a range of angles w.r.t. a second planar surface. The mechanism may be used for moulding of facia panels in concrete or for orientation of a planar solar collector. The mechanism uses mechanical linkages rather than hydraulic actuators to perform the tilting.    The mechanism uses a scissors jack principle, with a horizontal screw running through an elbow of two coupled bars, causing the angle between the two bars to increase as the elbow is drawn inward. An electric motor drives the shaft carrying the screws by means of a chain coupling linking sprockets on the motor and screw shafts.
The system uses movable heliostat mirrors to direct light from the sun into a system of fixed mirrors and concentrating lenses. The heliostat mirrors (1,2) are flat and are mounted on rail bogies running on a curved railway track. The two mirrors reflect separate beams of light onto fixed mirrors (4,3) set at an angle to reflect the sunlight inward onto a bank of lenses (8a).    The banks of lenses form a flat vertical assembly through which air is passed. The air is used to drive a known system of turbines accommodated in a machinery room situated underneath the fixed mirrors and heat concentrator lenses. The heliostat mirrors may be controlled electronically. They are adjustable for tilt, on trunnions (12) on the rail bogie. The wheels on the rail bogie may be ordinary railway wheels, or a rack and pinion arrangement.
The heat collector converts a part of the radiation energy into low temp. heat, and a part into electrical energy. A surface absorber (1) is provided with a hybrid absorption layer (2), the heat energy being transported from the absorption circuit to a feeder (4) by means of a liquid heat carrier and a rotary pump (3). The pump is driven by the electrical energy supplied by the hybrid absorption layer. For feeder input, a two-way, temp.-difference adjustment component (5) without auxiliary energy is required.    This component (5) cuts off the feeder from the absorption circuit when radiation drops, and switches it back on when radiation recommences but only when the heat capacity of the absorption circuit is charged at feeder temp. Using a compensation unit (6), the characteristic lines of the hybrid absorption layer and the thermic surface absorber are adjusted dependent upon the external temp. in stages of 10 K.
The receiver has a slot-shaped window through which the heat rays of solar light are concentrated onto a heat absorption target at the focal plane. A feature is the narrowness of the 'slot' and the openness of the vacuumized reflective interior of the absorber where heat is taken into a fluid heat transfer media circulating through the absorber. This prism-lens array and absorber combination is journalled on a vertical azimuth axis and at least on a horizontal altitude axis, or compound axes combining the two, upon which axes or axis it is directed toward the incoming and parallel sunlight.    Tracking is by a programmed clock or by light sensors that detect position of the sun. Motors are actuated to make corrective movements on the vertical and/or horizontal axes. This is to maintain the projection plane coincidental with and parallel to the incoming sunlight, within a prescribed degree of accuracy or resolution. Any number of these units of apparatus can be arranged and used together as a multiple array.
The heliostat is operable in azimuth and elevation by respective stepper motors. The position for the heliostat is calculated to be at a commanded position, and the number of steps in azimuth and elevation for each respective motor is determined to get to the commanded position. Both the azimuth and elevation stepper motors are energised to run in parallel until predetermined number of steps away from the closest commanded position in azimuth and elevation. The closest position is achieved, and subsequently only the remaining motor is energised to bring it to its commanded position.    In this way, the heliostat can be started from a stowed position in the morning and operated by a computer to its commanded position and kept correctly oriented throughout the day using only the time of the day without requiring the usual sensors and feedback apparatus. A computer, or microprocessor, can then control several heliostats easily and efficiently throughout the day.
The assembly may include a tracking arrangement acting to cause the device to follow the relatively moving sun or other radiation source. The tracking arrangement may include mechanism operable to swing the unit in opposite directions within two mutually perpendicular planes. Photosensors control that mechanism to maintain the desired alignment of the device with the sun or other radiation source.    Two pairs of photosensors are carried by the radiation collecting structure, with the two photosensors of each pair preferably being located at diametrically opposite sides of that structure. They act to control movement of the structure in opposite directions and toward a null position of alignment with the radiation. The sensor outputs are connected to a comparator to deliver energising current to a motor to drive it in one direction when one of the sensors is energised more than the other and vice-versa. The collector is used for heating.
Reliable and simple to operate system, intended for use with solar furnaces and distinguished from its prototype by provision for synchronised movement of all the heliostatsit controls, and by itslow cost due to the replacement of expensive optical scanning sensors with angular position sensors.    New components of the modified control circuit are angular position sensors 24, 26 fitted to heliostat 1 which is the only one with a two-coordinate scanning sensor 22, and angular position receivers 27-30, fitted to the remaining heliostats 2,3. In addition, the existing precision sensors 4-6 and sensor 22 each have an extra output 31-34, connected to the corresponding mode selector switch 13-15 which changes the control mode from coarse to precision tracking. Bul.26/15.7.83
Each cell unit has a group of series-connected solar cells connected in parallel and/or series with reverse-polarity protective diodes. The diodes are obtained by using solar cell structures of the same general type as the solar cells formed on a substrate. Each solar cell structure includes a first, intermediate layer and second conductive layer. The two conductive layers are of light transmissive materials. Each silicon layer includes a rectifying junction arrangement for providing photoelectric conversion.    The protective diodes make use of the rectifying property of the junction to act either as by-pass elements or as blocking elements. While normally used in combination, only the series or parallel-connected diodes may be provided in the unit. The units, which are usually connected in a matrix arrangement, are connected only in cascade or nylon in parallel respectively.
A step (1) is made in such a manner that the friction losses are reduced to a min. and is provided with a spring (2) which is compressed when used. A sensor (3) senses the compression of the spring and transmits the mechanical signal of deformation of the spring to the transducer (6) which converts this mechanical signal to an electrical one. This electrical signal is transmitted to the control unit, where this energy is used to charge one or a series of batteries.    The control unit provides two outputs (8,9): one (8) providing electrical energy for consumption; while the other (9) is connected to a feedback system (5), which is activated by the control signal of the output (2) supplied to the assembler (7), regulating the operation of the system, so that the discharge or overcharge of the batteries is avoided and a continuous satisfactory operation is obtained.
The appts. includes a first trough-shaped parabolic reflector mounted for rotation about both vertical and horizontal axes. A first elongated refractor is mounted to the first parabolic reflector along or adjacent to the focal axis of the first parabolic reflector. A second trough-shaped parabolic reflector is also mounted to the first parabolic reflector in such a way that focal axes of both first and second parabolic reflectors are disposed at right angles to each other.    A second refractor is mounted to the first parabolic reflector along or adjacent to the focal axis of the second parabolic reflector. Mounted on the second parabolic reflector is a sun tracking device responsive to sunrays for directing the first parabolic reflector towards the sun. The appts. condenses sunrays to a high intensity.
Wave power unit, used in power engineering, prevents contamination of the environment by incorporating an additional vessel in the delivery pipeline. The delivery and intake lines are hydraulically connected together to form a closed circuit.    Float (6) rises on the approaching wave and lifts piston (7), valve (9) closing the pipe on the side of vessel (10) in the intake line and vessel (4) having a negative pressure, water entering them from delivery line (3) driving turbine (5). When the    float (6) and piston (7) fall valve (8) closes and turbine (5) continues operation due to water from below the piston entering delivery line (3) and passing on a closed circuit through turbine (5). Vessels (4, 10) reduce hydraulic shock and ensure smooth turbine operation. Bul.24/30.6.83
The solar collector comprises a panel support which can be pivoted about the vertical axis of a fixed pedestal by the action of a first motor, and can be tilted about the horizontal by a second motor. The operation of the motors is controlled by an electronic circuit which ensures correct orientation of the panel.    The panel support is a vertical frame which is rotated about the vertical axis, and the collector panel is hinged from this frame to be tilted about the horizontal axis towards the sun. In the event of heavy winds the panel is drawn back against the support frame and the frame and panel rotated about the vertical axis so they are edge on to the wind direction, reducing the risk of wind damage to the panel.
The converter uses a succession of pivoted floats suspended from a bridge structure so that the wave motion generates a pendulum - like motion of the suspension arm.    A series of open frame pylons are erected on the sea bed and are bridged at their tops by a girder structure which carries the suspension for the 'U' shaped arms from which are suspended horizontal cylindrical floats which are positioned to be vertically downward at the trough of the passing waves. A toothed wheel at teh top of the suspended arm transmits motion to a belt or chain, which in turn drives a gearbox converting the oscillatory motion to unidirectional rotation.
The guidance system for a bank of solar energy cells or a reflector panel allows the sun to be accurately tracked. The solar generator panel is mounted on a vertical axis with a belt drive to give a wide angle of rotation. The panel is also supported on a horizontal axis and has bearings.    The angle of the panel during its rotation about the vertical axis is set by a guide link with a coupling point connected via other elements to the axis. The complete assembly moves in an east to west direction while maintaining the surface of the panel true to the earth's axis. The system allows adjustment for the yearly variation in the position of the sun.
The apparatus includes a housing having a pair of opposed counter rotating shafts mounted to a common output shaft for driving the output shaft in a single direction. It includes counterweights for restraining the shafts against rotation during oscillation of the housing about the axis of the shafts. It converts oscillating motion of the housing into intermittent unidirectional motion of the two counter rotating shafts and a continuous motion of the output shaft which is connected to a generator unit for generating electrical energy.    A torque storage spring is utilised to store the rotary energy and maintain a constant speed output of the shaft to the electrical generator. The apparatus is self-contained within the housing that may be selectively mounted in a proper position on a boat or other floating structure. It may be oriented to take advantage of the predominant roll or pitch of the structure for converting that motion into the required rotary output motion.
The device uses a ferromagnetic material formed of thin laminations and placed in an external magnetic field produced by passing a direct current through coil. The material is heated and cooled by alternate currents of heated gas and air at ambient temperature. The flow of gas and air is controlled by inlet/outlet valves respectively.    This variation in temperature produces significant changes to the magnetic field in the space occupied by the ferromagnetic material. By placing a circuit made up of coil wound on a cylinder in the same magnetic field such that the changing magnetic flux lines cut across the circuit, an electromotive force is produced which induces an electric current in coil when the circuit is closed.
A solar battery with amorphous silicon consists of a metal foil as the substrate on which an integral insulating layer has been formed. The metal foil can be made of stainless steel, aluminium or iron, and the insulating layer of amorphous silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon carbide or silicon. At least one module, containing amorphous silicon, is produced on the insulating layer to act as an opto-electronic transducer.    This creates a flexible solar battery which can e.g. be fitted to the roof of a motor car, without spelling, physical deterioration or diffusion of foreign particles in the thin film of amorphous silicon.
The collector has a panel (1) supporting either solar cells or a heat transfer circuit attached to a rotatable and/or pivotal frame (3). The latter is fitted to a rotary shaft (9) supported by a base (2) incorporating the storage and supply components for the obtained energy.    The position of the frame (3) is adjusted to allow the panel (1) to track the sun via an electric tracking drive (5,6) between the rotary shaft (9) and the frame. The tracking drive (5,6) may be controlled by photocells linked to a microprocessor controlling an electric motor (6) coupled to a setting mechanism (5). The collector can be used to provide domestic electricity, hot water or heating.
The kinetic energy is obtained directly from the vehicle wheels and converted into an air pressure via an intermediate oil piston. The pressurised air can be used to drive machinery or a generator providing electricity. Pref. the end of the oil piston projects slightly above the road surface so that it is depressed as the vehicle wheel runs over it against a return spring bias. The displacement of the oil piston is used to operate an air pump which supplies pressurised air to a store from which it can be fed as required. A number of energy converters can be arranged in series to increase the overall energy output.
Plastic foil-strip pref. consists of polyimide, polymerised polyparabanic acid or polyamide. Conductor tracks are applied on the semiconductor disc and support.    Specifically the solar cell is produced by placing the semiconductor disc, (6) after its last tempering above 300 deg. C, between 2 plastic strips (1, 2) bonded with adhesive (3) or heat-sealed. The strips have apertures (4, 5) shaped so that the front- and reverse of the semi-conductor disc are exposed and only its edge is covered by the foil-strip. The apertures are circular on using a circular semi-conductor disc and square with a square disc. The top-side of the disc, exposed to sunshine, and the top-side of the bonded foil (I) are vapour-plated with metal by screen-printing, through mask (7), to form conductor tracks (9) on disc and (10) on foil (1). The reverse side of disc (6) and the exposed top-side of foil (2) are vapour-plated with the same metal to form metal layer (11), over the whole surface. Layers (9, 10 and 11) can be reinforced by passing through a soldering bath. The metal can consist of CrNi-Ni or CrNiCu.    Automatic wiring of solar cells can be achieved. The hazard of breakage is reduced. Wide, flexible connections are obtd. which can be assembled automatically.
The appts. has cylindrical rollers embedded in a roadway over which wheeled vehicles move such that the vehicle wheels rotate the contacted rollers. A shaft transverse to the roadway supports the rollers and turns with them to transfer power from vehicle contact to an electrical generating apparatus.    Power accumulating apparatus, such as a water or hydraulic fluid reservoir, may intervene between the shaft and the generator to smooth the power flow when vehicle travel is intermittent. Alternatively, the appts. may directly link the shaft to an electrical generator which may, in turn, charge batteries or pump water upwardly to accumulate power for response to later demand. The rollers may be housed in a metal or concrete trough and cross one or more lanes of traffic to a median power collector such as a spider and bevel gear arrangement that is capable of receiving rotating motion from four right angle directions at once.
Concentrator with crowns with an internal reflecting surface which are arranged coaxially and mutually offset along a common axis and secured to a frarework, is reconstructed to increase the coefft. of radiant energy concentration. It can be used for large-area collection of solar radiation.    The crowns (2) are parabolic in shape and their position on the framework (4) enables the concn. factor to be increased and therefore the power of the concentrator since the mean focal vector-radius is less than the concentrator dia. In making the concentrator, the framework is in the crown-forming vessel so that the rotational speed can be different for each crown and their focal lengths can therefore be different. A cofocal position is ensured without mutual shading and complex adjustment. Bul.22/15.6.83.
Power plant, used in thermal power and utilising low-potential heat principally from geothermal sources or secondary energy sources, has increased heat carrier pressure by creating in it at least one shock wave. After heating, the vapour phase of the low boiling point substance is separated and introduced into the heat carrier until the mixture flashes off.    The condensed flow of low boiling point fluid is separated into two parts, one passing to flash tube (2) via section (9) and pipe (8) for mixing with the heat carrier, the second - passing via section (10) to surface heat exchangers (11) for vaporising by the hot heat carrier and the vapour phase is bled off through pipe (12) and fed to mixer (13). Bul.20/30.5.83.
Generating plant efficiency is improved by the working impeller being mixed flow and having driving discs facing each other and mounted on the shaft via ratchet mechanisms to ensure unidirectional rotation.    In operation the rise and fall of the waves lifts and lowers the float with shaft (2) and the impellers whose discs (5, 6) are driven, ratchet mechanisms (7, 8) ensuring unidirectional rotation of the shaft (2). Bul.20/30.5.83
Generating station efficiency is improved by the working chamber being in separate sections connecting to the liquid filled vessels by bellows pipes. The electrical generator is located in the sections below the turbine and its shaft is located vertically. Oil is used as the working fluid.    On wave movement, e.g. from left to right, vessel (1) is at the wave tip, working chamber (3) - is lower and vessel (2) still lower. Working fluid overflows from vessel (1) to vessel (2), passing through working chamber (3) to rotate the turbine and electrical generator. On wave reverse movement fluid flow reverses into vessel (1) again driving the turbine and generator. Bellows sections (7, 8) connect the vessels. Bul.20/30.5.83
Stabilised platform is comprised of at least nine hulls arranged in three abrest three in line formation and utilising wind and wave power to generate electrical energy. Platform (4) is supported on towers (5) which are able to turn on their vertical axis and contain hydraulic stabilising gear. Cylinders (6) are rigidly secured to towers, with pistons (7) connected by rods (8) to the crosshead (9). Magnetic bow and stern vertical rods (10) connected to the crosshead (9) by struts have vertical movement in guides (11,12) which are rigidly secured to the towers (5).    Between guides (11,12) are located hollow inductors (13). Each hull has hollow semi-circular inductor (17) secured to the crosshead (9) and magnetic semi-circular rods (18) secured to the hull. Towers (5) are enclosed by wind powered rotors (23) connected to electric generators (24). Stabilised platform remains steady while hulls dropping from creast into the trough move magnetic rods (18) through hollow inductors (17) and magnetic rods (10) in guides (11,12) and generate electric current. Bul.20/30.5.81.
The power generation system converts the motion of waves on a body of water such as a lake or sea to drive pumps, electrical generator or the like. A weighted float rides on the waves. A cable and pulley arrangement changes the direction, travel and force of the wave energy action imparted on the float and drives a hydraulic circuit.    The hydraulic circuit includes an accumulator for temporary energy storage and release to assist in maintaining constant flow and pressure of hydraulic fluid to one or more hydraulic motors during each wave cycle. The hydraulic motor drives a load such as an electric generator. An automatically actuated device adjusts for high and low tides.
Instrument has a carrying frame (1) with reflectors (2) and rotary drives (3), double-coordinate tracking system (4) connected to the rotary drives, and analogue converter (5). In order to increase the concentration coefficient, the heliostat is provided with tracking speeds detectors (6) and reflector (2) rotation drives (7). The detectors are electrically connected to the analogue converter (5) inlets. The reflector rotary drives (7) are electrically connected to the analogue converter outlets.    The double-coordinate system (4) has photo-detector (8) and power amplifier (9). The heliostat central reflector (2) is rigidly attached to the carrying frame (1). Each peripheral reflector (2) rotary drives (7) are placed freely on carrying furnace (1) and ensure reflectors turning in two mutually perpendicular axes. The heliostat frame (1) turns with respect to the sun's position with by means of photo-detector (8) electric signal amplified in amplifier (9) and drives (3). Bul.19/23.5.83.
The heliostat has a mirror (1) with two mutually perpendicular main and additional rotation axles (2,3), kinematically connected light sensitive detector (4). In order to simplify the operation, the main rotation axle (2) is hollow and placed along the mirror optic axis (5) and is attached on the additional axle. The mirror has central opening (6). The detector and mirror kinematic connection is made as a rod (7) with a slot (8) cross (9) and pair of rods (10,11).    Rod (7) is directed at right angles to mirror (1) at the axles (2,3) cross section point. Cross beam (9) passes through central opening (6) and can turn w.r.t. the additional axle (3). Rods (10,11) have equal length and at one end are connected to each other by hinge (12) and at other end are hinged to axle (2) and crossbeam. Mirror (1) is placed in framework (13). The main axle (2) is placed on base (14). Axles (2,3) are turned by drives (15,16). Bul.19/23.5.83.
Module has a coolant (1) filled lens (2) which contains photoelectric receiver (3).    In order to increase operational life, organosilicon polymethyl-siloxane or polyethyl-siloxane liq. is used as the coolant.    Mirror (4) is used for focussing solar rays.    During operation, solar rays pass through lens (2) containing the coolant, and are reflected by mirror (4) which is placed on lens (2) half focal length and flow to photoelectric receiver (3). Thus, a high solar current concentration is achieved on receiver (3).    Bul.18/15.5.83
Module has a sheet metal substrate (14) with flat rectangular central area with an upward peripheral flange and a downward peripheral flange from at least two opposed edges. Solar cells (20) are located on a sheet of potting material (34) on the substrate surface and are covered by a second potting material sheet.    A transparent upper layer (24) covers the second potting material sheet and terminals extend through the substrate. The upward flanges are pref. as high as the sum of layer thicknesses, and the potting material sheets are fused together and fill all spaces to form a weatherproof seal around the module edges The potting material is pref. ethylene-methylacrylate and there are one or more polyvinylfluoride or polyethyleneterephthalate high-voltage insulation layers (36) between substrate upper surface and first potting material sheet.
The appts. includes a primary concentrator with a linear parabolic reflector projecting a narrow band of light to a prism of a secondary concentrator which projects a spectrum of light through a plane in which the ends of fibre optic light pipes are aligned and arranged in pairs of bundles coupled by bifurcate couplings.    The concentrating ends of the bundles deliver light to photovoltaic cells which are designed to be particularly efficient for a particular monochromatic wavelength. The prism. is pref. curvilinear transparent body for linear refractive concentration. The light pipes are pref. tubular and filled with circulating transparent heat-transfer liquid. The narrow band is pref. straightened by a linear lens system.
The system includes trough-like reflective concentrators, having a correspondingly contoured support, and linear thermal energy receivers at the linear focus of the concentrators. A stepper motor maintains the concentrators pointed at the sun, under the exclusive control of a microcomputer that is programmed to function on the pure geometrical sun-earth relationship. Sun sensors are not employed.    The thermal efficiency of the system is monitored to provide information as to the accuracy of tracking and the effects of variation in the weather and degradation of the components. The linear thermal receivers may be provided with outer surrounding transparent tubes that are joined by bellows to allow for differential expansion. The volume between is maintained at a vacuum by permanent hermetic sealing. Each reflector is bonded to ribs that are, in turn, rigidly attached to the contoured support. This provides rigidity for accurate positioning.
The stand has artificial light source with collimator which has an auto reflection mark, and an analyser placed in the concentrator focus. To increase the aligning process efficiency and reduce the cost, the stand is provided with a moving heliostat having a flat mirror provided with a mark situated in the centre. The mirror can turn about its centre w.r.t. the horizontal and vertical axes and is directed towards the concentrator. The light source with collimator can turn w.r.t. horizontal and vertical axes behind the concentrator aperture and is orientated parallel to concentrator optic axis.    The facets are successively illuminated by collimated light beam directed parallel to the concentrator optic axis, the light source image formed in the concentrator focus is analysed accordingly. Prior to each facet illumination, the light beam is directed on to the mirror mark, whose surface is placed perpendicular to light beam. The mirror is then turned w.r.t. horizontal and vertical axes by half an anqle formed by beam projections respectively on vertical and horizontal planes and their cross-section lines, corresponding to initial collimator orientation. Bul.17/7.5.83.
Electricity is generated from a random power source such as a wind wheel driving a generator through an intermediate energy form such as a hydraulic arrangement. A controllable power source such as a diesel engine can aslo drive the generator through the same intermediate arrangement to make up power when demand exceeds the supply from the random source.    Intermediate form fluid pressure energy may be accumulated during periods when the random power source produces more power than the demand consumes. Hydraulic fluid may be accumulated in a piston-in-cylinder arrangement, and hydraulic pressure may be maintained at a uniform level by a constant load on the piston-in-cylinder arrangement. If the fluid is a gas, it may be accumulated in a reservoir at varying pressure. In any event a variable such as the position of the piston with respect to the cylinder, indicating volume of hydraulic fluid at constant pressure, or the pressure of a gas in a reservoir, may be monitored to control the controllable power source.
Solar generator for large-scale installations consists of several solar cell modules which are connected in series or parallel to two bus bars. The whole assembly is encapsulated in a lamination operation e.g. in glass fibre reinforced plastic material to a width to suit the available plant. After solidification, solar generators are cut off to a length equal to the desired multiple of one encapsulated module.    Arrangement facilitates the continuous mfr. of a solar generator of any desired length.
The surface is mfd. by (a) fabricating a thin adherent film on a substrate by CVD from Mo(CO)6 at about atmospheric press. of inert carrier gas, so the deposited film shows a face centred cubic MoOC structure under X-ray diffraction; (b) annealing the film in an O2-free atmos; at at least 700 deg.C. for at least 3 min.; and (c) forming a layer of solar absorbing Si on the annealed film by CVD; and opt. (d) fabricating an antireflecting layer of Si3N4 by CVD on the Si layer.    The reflective surface so made, esp. as a laser reflector, is also claimed.    The Mo film shows high reflectivity, nearly as good as reflective noble metals, and better than polished bulk Mo or sputtered Mo. It can be used at temps. where noble metals are unsuitable. With Si and Si3N4 layers, the structure may be used as a solar collector.
The method employs an evacuated chamber contg. a target, a seed material adjacent the target, a target heater and a source of high energy ions. The target is heated to a preset temp. and then bombarded, together with the seed material, by high energy ions to sputter etch its surface.    The seed material is pref. a material of sputter yield less than the target, e.g. stainless steel, and sputter etching is pref. effected at a target temp. of 250-900 K for 5-10 mins. using noble gas ions at at least 400 eV.    The reflectance properties of the target surface can be controlled in a predictable manner by controlling the target temp., and the target surface may be textured to absorb sunlight efficiently and have minimal emittance in the infrared region so that it is useful as a solar absorber.
Warm surface water is sprayed into a lower chamber which is at pressure approximately equal to the vapour pressure of the arm water where part of the water evaporates. The vapour then passes through a venturi or venturis dividing the lower chamber from the upper chamber which is maintained at pressure approximately equal to the vapour pressure of the cold water. The pressure difference across the venturi(s) causes the vapour to emerge into the upper chamber at supersonic speed.    Cold water injected into the supersonic jets gains momentum and energy from the jets which causes it to be forced upward to the top of the chamber where it is collected. In the process the vapour is cooled and condensed by cold water. The cold water is collected and a permitted to flow downward to drive hydraulic turbines thereby providing exploitable electrical energy.
The generator includes a vertical tubular chamber (2) which confines a column of water. Near the bottom of the column and within it is a combustion chamber (6) fed with fuel and air through a conduit (8). The products of combustion emitted by the combustion chamber flow upwardly through a venturi (7) to draw water into the combustion flame for a quick mix and thus exert a powerful upward thrust on the column of water and form large bubbles (10) in the column of liquid. The gases in the bubbles heat the water and reduce its density while at the same time rising upwardly to carry water with them.    The bubbles travel through a screen (12), the lower part of which is a coarse screen mesh and the upper part of which is a fine screen mesh which breaks the bubbles up into smaller bubbles (14) dispersed uniformly across the column of liquid. As the bubbles rise and the lighter warm water rises with them, the bubbles are released into the air through a bubble separator (16) and flow outwardly into ambient air. The water falls over the upper edge of the chamber into an annular conduit defined by an outer casing (18) where the water is cooled. To assist in cooling the water, a series of fins (22) is provided. The cooler water flows to the lower portion of the outer annular conduit where it is redirected upwardly. A continuous flow stream in closed circuit, flows upwardly through the chamber, then downwardly within the annular conduit and through a water driven turbine (24) connected through a sealing gland (26) to an electrical generator (28).
Generator converts more effectively due to an additional chamber for applying a coolant, and a heater made as a beam energy receiver-concentrator.    The magnetic flux set-up by field source passes through magnetic circuit (1) and thermosensitive ferromagnetic element (3). Solar energy is concentrated (4) and heats up element (3) to its Curie point. Element (3) loses its magnetic properties and insulating screen (5) blocks-off the rays. Coolant is fed to chamber (6), restoring    ferromagnetic properties, and the sharp change in element (3) permeability changes the magnetic circuit flux, altering the output winding induced e.m.f. Bul.16/30.4.83
Installation comprised of lenses (1) secured on movable base (7) with sun tracking arrangement consisting of photo-electric cell (8), transducers with fine regulating adjustment (9) and electric drive (10). Focal area of lenses has a nest of fibre-optics (2), distance between lenses (1) and ends of fibre-optics (2) is equal to or    greater than the focusing distance of lenses.    Fibre-optics are connected to the central lens (3) secured to the base with independent reciprocal movement. Lens (3) has light emission receiver (4) with thermocouple (6) and trasudcer (11) with electric drive (5). Sun tracking lenses (1) through fibre-optics (2) transmit light emissions to the central lens (3) focused on to receiver (4) with sensitive thermocouple (6) electrically connected with transducer (11) and drive (5).    On deviation from predetermined temp. sensitive thermocouple (6) activates drive and repositions lens (3). Incorporation of central lens with ability to readjust permits more effective temp control of emission receiver (4) and sensitive thermocouple (6) and increases efficiency of installation. Bul.16/30.4.83
Prodn. comprises dispersing Zn powder in soln. of intermediate prod. of aromatic polyamide or condensn. type (co)polymer having hetero rings including at least nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur, heat-treating the dispersion in air or gas at 80-320 deg.C and then heat-treating in vacuum or inert gas at 350-400 deg.C for 30 min. and then at 700-1000 deg.C.    Soldering property is remarkably improved. Prod. is used for electro-conductive films, solar heat collector films, electrode materials, magnetic recording medium or sensor materials.
The rotor blades (1) are attached to the rotary pedestal (4) with equal pitch so that adjacent blades are perpendicular to each other. The blades e.g. four, are arranged with equal pitch. The rotary shaft (6) is attached to the rotary pedestal or rotor (4), at the centre of one side of the mountain-like flow path guide (5) is provided on the other side.    The flow comes into/out-of the casing (7). The flow path guide (5) attached to the pedestal (4) has the function of guiding the flow which axially flows in from the duct and radially flows out through the casing (7) or which radially flows in from the duct and axially flows out of the duct to prevent loss of flow. The torque produced by the rotor blade (1) attached to the pedestal (4) is transmitted through latter (4) to the rotary shaft (6) to cause the generator rotor to rotate. The turbine may be used in wind and wave power systems.
The device includes a dihedral shaped floating shell, with openings extending across the upper sloping surface. In cross-section, each of these openings forms the top of a funnel. At the base of each funnel is a paddle wheel on a shaft parallel to the opening. Water collected from a wave in the funnel opening descends through the paddle wheel and rotates it.    Each paddle wheel is linked to an electrical generator in a similarly shaped housing at one end of the dihedron. The funnels are also shaped so that the kinetic energy of the water approaching them may be used by deflecting the lateral movement of the water downwards.
The appts. includes a round or square container divided vertically into two compartments. A chain of buckets is arranged to descend through one of the compartments with the buckets upright, and ascend through the other with the buckets inverted. Two slide rails guide the buckets. One of the compartments contains ordinary water, while the other contains water with an additive to reduce its density. The buckets, which receive water also contain a certain fixed ballast.    When the buckets hold water and ballast, they are slightly denser than the ordinary water, and descend through it. Once inverted, with air trapped underneath them, the buckets are less dense than the water mix, and rise. The system may be used to derive energy from a slow flowing water supply e.g. in rivers or streams, and also from sea waves.
The device following a moving light source can be demounted to facilitate mounting sensor elements on a housing as well as adjustment and maintenance after assembly. It overcomes the influence of indirect incident light beams and the like to achieve accurate operation.    The device comprises a top plate (100), two hollow casings (102,106) separated by an intermediate plate (104), an adjusting plate (108), and a bottom plate (110). The top plate is formed with a cruciform opening (112) in its central portion and over-sized holes (114a-d) at its four corners. Screws pass through the holes into four posts (116a-d) integral with the second casing (106). A photosensor is mounted on the top of the plate (100). The interemediate plate (104) has a rectangular opening (118). Photosensors are mounted on this plate (104) along at least a pair of symmetrical opposite edges. The tracking arrangement may be used with solar energy collection systems.
The system is for more efficient extraction of energy from a two-phase expansion of a saturated or compressed fluid, and converting it to turbine shaft work by a new velocity pump reaction turbine. By concentrically positioning two rotors which are driven by a hot, saturated or compressed fluid passing from the inner rotor to the outer rotor through a fluid flow channel in which the fluid is reduced to its saturation pressure. The outer rotor can be used to drive the inner velocity pump rotor, resulting in high fluid energy extraction efficiency.    A continuous fluid flow channel is provided between a concentrically positioned inner velocity pump and an outer turbine while the inner pump is driven by the outer turbine. This permits lower operating shaft speeds than currently available hence reducing component wear and exit loss. The turbine is useful for geothermal applications.
The assembly includes an electrode, for receiving a.c. power for maintaining a plasma region, and several electrically conductive plates closely spaced apart by less than a predetermined distance on one side of the electrode.    The assembly is esp. useful in an a.c. plasma system for making photovoltaic devices by deposition of several amorphous semiconductor materials onto a continuous conductive substrate. The plates preclude formation of a plasma region on one side of the electrode and provide several series capacitances to present reduced input capacitance to an associated tuning network.
The solar energy convertor uses a number of flat photovoltaic panels having solar collecting front sides. These panels are supported for simultaneous rotation about a given axis, pref. a horizontal or south sloping axis, while their solar collecting front sides face the same direction. At the same time, these front sides are maintained in end-to-end relationship with one another within a common plane, pref. one which is at all times parallel with the axis of rotation.    In operation, the panels are simultaneously rotated about their given axis in tracking relationship with the sun, pref. so as to maintain the solar collecting front sides of the panels at a fixed acute angle w.r.t. the rays of the sun. The panels are pref. supported adjacent to one another in a way which minimizes the distance between endmost panels.
The power system uses at least one power unit comprising a buoyant body structure. The structure includes a number of hydrofoil wings extending downwardly into the water current which are pivotally mounted to permit readjustment of their angle of attack. The hydrofoil wings caturing the water currents and produces aerodynamic lift forces to propel the body structure and water current at a higher relative speed. At least one second set of hydrofoil wings are rotatably mounted rearwardly of the first set and are exposed to the higher speed current. The energy held by the current is converted to revolving motion of a power generating machinery. A mooring mechanism attached to the body structure and an anchor structure effect the captive path of the body structure through the water current.
The system has a geothermal brine flow path of a prodn. well providing a stream of high temp., high dissolved silica content geothermal brine, a heat extractor and a reinjection well. Method involves establishing a zone of particulate material in the flow path between the heat extractor and the reinjection well. Geothermal brine stream is passed through the zone to seed the pptn. from the brine onto the particles so as to reduce the amt. of dissolved silicon available for precipitation in the reinjection well. The occurrence of other chemical reactions in the zone which would be injurious to the reinjection well is minimised by excluding atmospheric oxygen from the zone.    The removal of the silica content from the brine before being passed to the reinjection well avoids plugging of the well. Also, the exclusion of oxygen prevents the occurrence of the hydrolysis reaction and its damaging consequences.
The array is mfd. by (a) forming a series of conductive lower electrodes (16) on an insulating substrate; (b) forming a semiconductor layer (22) on electrodes and substrate; (c) forming conductive upper electrodes (24) on the semiconductor surface; and (d) forming conductive connections (26) between one upper electrode of one cell and the lower electrode of another cell by causing spiking of metal stripes applied over the lower electrodes. The spiking is pref. caused by heating a series of metal stripes (20) deposited on the surface of the lower electrodes to cause them to spike through the semiconductor layer. Deposition is after (a).    Provides interconnections in an inexpensive automatic process.
Engine powered by extracting heat from a flow of internal combustion engine exhaust gases or other fluid medium has input and output flow control gates defining a controlled section (12) of a duct along which the flow passes. The gates operate to pass the flow continuously along that section while maintaining a pressure differential within.    A pressure drop or rise in that section is continuously provided by cooling or by injection of fluid to be vaporised.    Heat is extracted from the medium and this pressure differential drives a motor (18) and/or itself drives the gates which also function as motors to provide useful work, for example driving an electric generator (25). The control gates may be rotary sliding vane pump/motor units or gear or roots type, or reciprocating pump/motor units to shuttle valves. The engine is used on a vehicle for battery charging.
The solar energy installation for electricity generation has an orientable compressed air generator (30) in which the air is compressed (31), receiving heat energy from an infra-red collector (33) with its collecting cavity at the focus of a concentration system (20). The air is then partially expanded in a turbine (34) driving the air compressor.    The unit tracks the sun automatically, using a governor (60,61) formed by a variable incidence aerodynamic vane placed in the outflow from the turbine. The turbine is carried at the end of an arm, supported by a pivot and coupled to the reflector. The aim of the arm is altered by the force of the exhaust gas on the vane, the orientation of the vane being controlled by a servomotor responding to the difference between the orientation of the collector and the direction of the sun.
The energy is recovered from waves, wind, rivers by a turbine wheel (8) driving chains (22,25) fitted with projecting bars (9) which raise a mass (34) carried at the head of a rack gear (33). When the mass has been raised to its full height, the attachment (10) to the bars (9) on the chain is automatically released (11,12), allowing the mass to fall, displacing the rack downwards, and causing pinion wheels (35) meshed with the rack to rotate.    The pinion wheels can be used to drive electric generator or compressors to convert the mechanical energy to a more convenient form.
The collector (10) comprises a parabolic trough reflector (12) which reflects incident direct radiation onto a heat collection element such as a heat absorption pipe (14). The pipe is mounted at the focus of the reflector and absorbs the direct radiation reflected onto it and transforms the collected direct radiant energy into heat. A working fluid, such as water, flows through the pipe and is heated by the direct radiant energy concentrated onto the heat absorption pipe.    The collector also has a flat fluorescent panel (16) framed with a contiguous ring of solar cells for absorbing diffused radiant energy as well as direct radiant energy. A motor is mechanically linked to the reflector to slowly rotate it so that the collector can track the sun as the sun appears to move across sky.
The concentrator has optically coaxial primary paraboloid and secondary    hyperboloid reflectors (1) and (2) and a glass light conductor (3) connected to the secondary reflector. To increase the concentration coefficient, the hyperboloid reflector first focus in the rays movement direction and is displaced from the paraboloid reflector focus and the second focus is situated inside the light conductor.    The parallel flow of solar energy is focused by the primary reflector (1)in point (F) and is re-reflected by the secondary hyperboloid reflector (2) towards the glass    light conductor (3). When the reflector (2) diameter is 0.4 times the reflector (1) diameter and the reflector (2) deflection by    6.10 power 3 -8.10 power 3 the reflector (1) focus distance and the light conductor (3) by 6.10 power 2 the reflector (1) focus distance the radiation concentration coefficient increases and the glass conductor life is also increased. Bul.12/30.3.83
The wheel has eight radial paddles (3) mounted on an axle (2). The ends of the axle are supported by bearings in a fixed frame (1). The wheel is coupled to an electric generator or other energy convertor. In each paddle are three blades (8) each made from three flat (11) hinged together. One end of each blade pivots in the paddle and the other end is free.    When a paddle is above the axle, moving with the current water pressure holds the blades against stopping bars in line with the paddle, thus presenting resistance to the water flow and providing torque. When the paddle nears a horizontal position the current ''bends'' the blades, thanks to the plate hinging, and lifts the free ends of the blades out of the paddle so that the blades swing out at an angle to the paddle, providing minimal resistance as the paddle moves under the axle against the current.
Collector has a light transparent fibre to which fluorescent dye in polymeric binder has been applied, a reflector directing radiation onto the fibre and an optical waveguide coupled to the fibre end to transmit internally reflected light.    In partic. a solar energy collector has a compound parabolic reflector directing light onto a fluorescent fibre having a waveguide coupled to each end. The fibre is pref. located adjacent to the cusp of the reflector and the collector has an acceptance angle of about 60 deg. Use of a compound reflector eliminates the need for tracking so that the collector can be mounted in a fixed position. The fibre may be of glass impregnated with Eu2O3 or Sm2O3. The arrangement provides high concentration ratio, simpler optical coupling, and reduced use of fluorescent material.
Tracking system has two linkages with insulated electrical conductor members connected to a collector at spaced points and movable by a drive for the collector pivot about its mounting. A fine tuning system has a frame supported from the linkages and a shaft from the frame threaded to a follower connected to the collector.    An electric motor can rotate the shaft and the linkage conductors are connected to the motor. There may be two pairs of spaced cables connected to the collector for pivoting it in azimuth and elevation, with a drive for each pair, and the cables may be replaced by rigid spars.    The arrangement provides accurate tracking and resistance to wind loading.
An array of solar concentrators (10,12,N-1,N) is arranged to receive the parallel rays (20) of the sun (14) as it follows an arcuate path across the sky (arrow 16). The concentrators (10,12,N-1,N) have a parabolic reflector (18) which is pivoted so that it rotates in direction of arrow (24) and reflects rays (20) onto tubing (22) which carries a heat exchange fluid. The gearing devices (26A,26,26N-1,26N) provide the motion and power to rotate the reflector (18) which is connected to and powered by the pneumatic drive (28A,28,28N-1,28N). Pulses of compressed air are provided to the driver (28) from valves (32) by a fluid conduit (34,35).    The valves (32) receive the supply of compressed air from a source (38) and is controlled by electrical signals from control circuitry (40). An electrical power source (44) provides the power for the control circuitry (40) and also for providing any power required by the sensor (46).
The solar direction sensor accurately detects the sun's position and calculates the deviation of the incident angle of sun's beams. This provides an output signal to a solar energy collector so that the latter can very smoothly follow the path of the sun thus maximising the collection of solar energy. The sensor consists of an opaque cylinder (1) with a flange (2) formed at its top end and a flange (3) formed at its lower end. At least two pairs of beam sensors (4X1,4X2) or (4Y,4Y2) are disposed on the top face of the lower flange (3) so that they face each other. When the cylinder (1) is parallel to the sun's beams in direction (Lo), direct beams do not arrive at sensors (4X,4X2) or (4Y,4Y2) and output of these sensors respond only to indirect ambient rays.    When the sun's beams are incident in direction (L1-Lo) i.e. when cylinder (1) is in a range (04X1) to the incident direction, direct beams arrive only at sensor (4X1) but not as sensor (4X2). The output from the two sensors are then compared to calculate the position of the sun.
The collector comprises an aluminium container toppled with borosilicate glass sheets and incorporating fourteen electrolytically-polished aluminium concentrator mirror and copper centralised heating pipe assemblies. To increase efficiency, the pipe axes coincide with the focal axes of the mirrors, and the vacuum is generated by a set of rings and a shock absorber.    The mirror concentration factor is 2.72, and the open-circuit collector has hot and cold water couplings
The collector comprises a set of concave mirrors of parabolic cross-section and large dimensions. To increase performance, the mirrors are laid parallel, abutting, and upturned, and with a pipe running along the focal axis of each mirror.    Water circulating in the piper, forms steam which drives a turbine and thus constitutes a power generator.
Each vane includes a first blade section which is immovably fixed w.r.t the rotor hub and a second blade section which is pivotally secured w.r.t the first blade section. This pivotal movement of the second blade toward the non-propelling side of the vane is restricted by a stop whereas pivotal movement of the second blade section toward the propelling side of the vane is made possible.    A biasing device is included to urge the second blade section into contact with the stop which is the propulsion of the vane. To protect the joined connection between the first and second blade sections a covering means pref. including an expandable and contractable baffle section may be included. With this configuration the inner covering would pref. be of a resilient material to thereby comprise the biasing device.
The collector includes a number of moulded plastic panels (12) secured to each other to define a dish type parabolic shape having a central axis A. Each panel (12) has sides including lugs (14,16) that snap into engagement with the lugs on the adjacent panels to secure the panels to each other. A collecting surface (18) of each panel has a segmental parabolic shape bounded by the sides of the panel. Each set of panels spaced from the central axis a given distance have the identical construction as each other to facilitate moulding of the panels.    Except for central triangular panels, each of the panels are quadrilateral with truncated wedge shapes. Each quadrilateral panel has inner and outer curved sides one of which includes male lugs (14) and the other of which includes female lugs (16) for securing the panels to adjacent female lugs (16) for securing the panels to adjacent panels. Each quadrilateral panel also includes radial sides one of which includes male lugs and the other of which includes female lugs for securing the panels to adjacent panels.
Collector is constructed from modules made from channels and bows where the longitudinal channels are at right angles to the transverse bows which form the parabolic shape of the trough. The end bows of the central module are used for transferring torque to change the module alignment. A reflective material is laminated to the channel assembly forming the parabolic mirror surface. The parabolic mirror assembly is constructed using other than blind fastening systems.    The collector focuses the sun's rays onto a tube contg. fluid to be heated. Design is suitable for construction by welding, bolts, screws or other methods without the need for blind fasteners. Such construction lends itself to automated mfr. and reduced cost.
The appts. includes a lens for collecting sunlight and a sensor for detecting the sun's azimuth and altitude. Sunlight collected by the lens is introduced to an optical conductor and the lens is supported and rotated by a shaft supported by a support arm. A second shaft rotatably supports the support arm about an axis perpendicular to the first shaft axis. The appts. is hermetically sealed in a capsule.    The turning of the shafts is controlled to cause the lens to face the sun's position. A suction or blower pump is provided within the capsule so as to produce an air current around the sensor, and to maintain the temp. around the sensor to an acceptable level. Pref. the lens comprises a number of lenses arranged in concentric circles, and the optical conductor comprises a number of optical cables with their inlet ends disposed at the focal positions of each of the lenses.
The thermal columns incorporate heat sinks to enable additional thermoelectric energy to be obtained. Each trough shaped mirror has its sides formed by plane mirror sections adjacent to each other to form part of a polygon, and giving evenly distributed radiation suitable for the thermal column. The heat flow to the heat sink is regulated by a braking system for the generating system.S The polygonal structure gives a constant p and n material exchange in successive positions for a required voltage increase for the thermal column. The oil circulation system uses the shade below the trough shaped mirror for improved cooling. Brazed or welded connections between heat source and heat sink sections, use rods projected radially outwards and immersed in a heated or cooled medium.
A mass within a buoyant structure e.g. a ship is moved under influence of wave motion to generate electrical power. The mass can be a piston running in lateral and/or longitudinal bores and coupled to magnets. Movement of the or each piston and magnet generates electrical power in fixed conductors attached to the structure of the ship. The piston bores can be open to allow free through flow of water, to drive the piston.    Travel of each piston is limited by its pivotal connection to an arm, carrying the magnet at its end opposite the piston. A flywheel can be connected to a reverse flow water turbine in each piston bore, the flywheel driving an electrical generator. The generator can instead be driven by a pendulum, whose oscillation is converted into unidirection rotation for driving a generator. (Provisional Basic advised week 83/48)
The simulator maintains the plane of the lamp array parallel to the plane of the test device for all elevations, lateral positions and rotational positions of the lamp array, and controls tilting of the lamps relative to the array frame to any desired angle of incidence.    The simulator is operated to control the angle of incidence of radiation received by the collector to be tested and to vary the distance from the array of lamps to the solar collector in such a manner that the intensity of received radiation along the surface of the test device is uniform, thereby avoiding undesirable lateral gradients in temp. along the surface of the test device. The solar simulator allows accurate simulation of a solar day without reducing the power to solar lamps, to avoid undesirable variation in the spectrum of radiation produced by the solar simulator.
The pendulum is aligned to swing in an arc above its pivot and to pass into the interior of two magnetic circuits at the ends of the swing. Formed on the pendulum are two windings connected in series, the windings being aligned for cumulative induction at each end of the stroke. These windings are series connected across a full wave rectifier which is then applied to a battery.    The magnetic circuits comprise either permanent magnets, or battery excited core pieces aligned with their gap deployed in the paths of the pendulum swing. Thus the pendulum with the windings mounted upon it passes through the magnetic circuit gaps and in the course of each passing a current is induced to charge the buoy's on-board batteries. The generator may be used to power a lamp in a warning buoy.
The solar light is captured by a mirror (A) from which it is reflected to another mirror (9). The light is then concentrated towards a funnel-shaped mirror (C), and transmitted into a conductors (E). From heat, it is sent to a usage point, where it is either converted to heat energy in a well insulated system, or used directly. The captation mirror is parabolic with a central hole(A), over which a second mirror (B) is positioned for light reflection. The funnel-shaped mirror (C) is positioned below that for captation, and under it is a light conductor (E) connectable to a heat cartridge (F) for conversion of light to heat energy.    The small upper mirror (B) can be turned by a servomotor or moved to one side, so that the whole solar energy collection process is cut out. To prevent dirt penetrating the light conductor (E) the funnel-shaped mirror has a covering plate of high permeability to sunlight of differing wavelengths, and the invisible ultra-red radiations carrying a large part of the solar energy. (Provisional Basic advised week 83/50)
The freely rotatable pendulum disc is supported by a surrounding frame, so that it oscillates between two stop points about its axis. The disc is balanced by a counter-weight which slides parallel to the surface of the disc and acts on a freewheel positioned at its centre. The freewheel is coupled to an electrical generator on the opposite side of the disc via a pulley wheel and a drive belt.    Pref. the counter-weight moves radially between the periphery of the disc and its centre along a pair of parallel guide rods it reciprocation coupled to the freewheel via a linear cog cooperating with a cog wheel coaxial with the freewheel. The shaft of the latter fits through the hollow rotation shaft supporting the disc. The energy converter is designed for min. energy loss.
Device for orienting beam concentrated by reflector onto stationary collector comprises an electric motor (5) for driving the adjustable reflector (1) and two solar cells (9,10) fixed to the collector (6). The solar cells are connected in parallel to each other and generate their electrical voltages in opposite directions. The anti-parallel circuit is connected to the terminals of the motor winding.    The reflector is automatically positioned so that the reflected rays impinge on the collector. No other energy source or control is required.
The vertical frame (14) has sprockets (30,32) on each axle, with a roller chain around the sprockets. A ratchet wheel (40) attached to the lower sprocket, is turned a notch at a time, by a lever (42) whose end is located to utilise a passing object stream, e.g. vehicles passing by. As the ratchet is moved the weight (66) mounted on the chain is raised.When at the top, it passes over the sprocket and then pulls the chain down, to the bottom of its run.    This causes both sets of axles to turn, for driving e.g. an electric generator. A flywheel on the lower axle smooths power surges. A second ratchet on the flywheel can allow it to rotate freely once driven, to store energy when the flywheel axle is driven faster than the power transmission. The flywheel can instead be connected via a centrifugal clutch.
The appts. has at least one hollow, buoyant vane movable by the waves, each vane having an elongated slot. A shaft is connected to the vane and rotated by movement of the vane. Gears are disposed in the slot and are connected to the shaft to enable relative longitudinal movement of the shaft and vane during rotation of the vane. Spur gears are connected to the shaft, and these mesh with the gear teeth around the slot.    The shaft is connected to the electrical generator. Weighting devices are put inside the vane and are movable to vary the centre of gravity of the vane during rotation. The vane has fins attached to it to increase the external surface area.
The appts. comprises at least one inner solar energy collector panel for converting the solar energy into electrical energy. The lower end of the collector is pivotally mounted to the front of the main base such that the collector is free to pivot about the mounting axis between 0 and 90 degrees above the horizontal.    An inner support member has a first end pivotally connected in proximity to the upper end of the inner collector panel. A mechanism connects the second end of the inner support member to the main base such that the collector may be positioned at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees above the horizontal plane. The electrical energy can be stored and supplied to an external receptacle.
Laminator with a double-vacuum system, i.e. a processing chamber (12) having two independently controllable compartments, (50,52) includes means for opening and closing the chamber, pref. a pair of double-acting pneumatic cylinders linked to a hinged cover opening at 80-100 p.s.i., the same pneumatic means creating a vacuum in the chamber. The chamber is surrounded by heaters, pref. removably mounted in flexible clamps and formed of metal sheathed resistance wire with a power output of 2 KW at 240 VAC, alternating with cooling devices comprising similarly clamped metal strips, pref. grooved to accommodate coolant carrying tubes. Pref. the floor of the chamber is lined with woven mesh (64) which provides a bed for the laminate assembly (82) and means are provided for venting.    Controls at the front of the laminator enable process parameters to be set. Pref. these include a pair of temp. controllers for independent control of upper and lower heaters and processing time selectors for selecting pumping times, press times, and cure times. The laminator may be operated automatically or manually, employed for only laminating or laminating and curing. Most pref. control is achieved by means of a micrprocessor.    Laminator is designed for both laminating and/or encapsulating a multilayer laminate assembly, i.e. the laminator can be used not only for laminating an assembly but also for curing the resin used. It provides optimum processing conditions because it features a double-vacuum system having two compartments with independently controllable temp., vacuum, and pneumatic pressure capabilities.
A liquid-crystal assembly containing a liquid crystal based material, capable of having a cholesteric-nematic phase transition with pleochroic dyes, is placed in contact with the body. The temp. of the body is continuously sensed and, when the body is subjected to an increase in temp. or when a temp. decrease is desired, an electric field is imposed upon the liquid-crystal based material to force it into a nematic phase whereby the input of radiant energy to the body may be minimised.    In the event that the body is sensed as having a decrease in its temp. or a temp. increase is desired, the electric field is removed in order to allow the liquid-crystal based material to relax into a cholesteric phase whereby the input of radiant energy to the body may be maximised.
Brine having a tendency to form deposits of amorphous silica or calcite is mixed with acidified steam condensate to form a mixture having reduced tendency to form deposits. The mixt. of brine and condensate is flashed to form high quality steam and residual brine streams at reduced pressure. Energy may be extracted from the steam fraction and the resulting condensate used in the first stage of treatment following acidification and pre-heating. The process may be extended to geothermal brines and vapours containing hydrogen sulphide. Brine may issue from the well as part of a brine steam two phase mixture. These may be separated at the well-head and subjected to processing.    Used for generation of power using geothermal steam in steam turbines. Silica damage to turbine blades is prevented and brine treatment prevents the deposition of amorphous silica in the lines leading to and from the flash vessel.
Transducer comprises a backing-mounted dust-protection body with optically-opaque side wall and opaque but radiation-passing cap with diaphragming aperture, flat radiation screen with light filter in the body parallel to the backing, and    light-sensitive element on the backing under the light filter.    For precise tracking, the light-sensitive element is in the form of photo-elements (9) symmetrical to the centre of the backing. The diametrically-located photo-elements (cells) are connected to each other in pairs. The roof aperture is round and the light filter is in the form of alternating opaque and transparent concentric rings. Bul.9/7.3.83
The concentrator has an elastic deforming reflection plate (1), a bearing frame (2) and loading arrangement (3), made as linings (4), placed on both sides of plate each end and connected to the plate and each other by tightening bolts (5), situated in the openings. One of the linings is hinged to the bearing frame. To increase the concentration level, the reflection plate can displace w.r.t. the lining hinged to the bearing frame.    The linings are L-shaped and are additionally connected to each other by means of a regulation bolt. The tightening bolt opening in the lining hinged to the bearing frame is made as a slot. The other lining is attached on the reflection plate. The reflection plate is provided with planks, connected by means of regulation bolts to the linings, hinged on the bearing frame. Bul.9/7.3.83.
A fixed detector (11) comprises a photodetector (12) on an inclined opaque plate (14) facing the south. Behind the plate is a second photodetector (13) sensing diffused radiation. A detector (8) on a mobile assembly comprises two photodetectors (17,18) on either side of a vertical opaque wall (19) shaded by a narrow strip (20). Another detector (21) outside the range of the shade of the wall is located on the East side of the assembly.    The detector outputs are applied to a control unit (15) powered by photocells (7) through a regulator (23) and battery (22). The control unit provides drive control signals for an electric motor (16) and also for a hydraulic pump (23) providing hydraulic interconnection between the solar receiving panels. The motor drives a pulley wheel (3) on a track on the frame of the panel support structure to track the solar radiation.
A wave power generating unit, especially for converting sea wave energy, consists of a platform (1) with a series of containers (2) attached to it below water level. Each container has a wave receiver (3), and the containers are linked to one another by air collectors (4).    The generating unit is designed for greater air pressure by having the containers (2) set at different depths, increasing from one container to the next. The wave reaching the first(left-hand) wave receiver creates air    the first air collector equivalent to the height of the wave. The wave force then pushes the air through valves (5) from one air collector to the next, increasing the air pressure in stages. Bul.8/28.2.83
A wave-powered generating unit, for converting sea wave power into electricity, consists of a wave receiver (1) with a tapering inlet (2), a rotor with vanes (3) linked to a generator, and an accumulator tank (4) with an outlet slit (5), set at the outlet end of the wave receiver.    The generating unit is designed for higher efficiency by having the rotor made in the form of a continuous chain (6) with three working sections (7, 8, 12). The first is located inside the wave receiver and runs along its length, the second forms a discharge channel (9) with one wall of the accumulator tank, and the third has a trough (11) adjacent to the accumulator tank's outlet slit.    The generating unit as described makes full use of the waves' kinetic and potential energy as the wave passes over the working sections of the chain. Bul.8/28.2.83
A caisson is part a breakwater and forms a water chamber whose closure is a pendulum (107) which has a natural period the same as the period of stationary wave surges caused in the water chamber by rocking movement of the pendulum. A double-acting piston and cylinder assembly (110) is connected to the pendulum, so that when a piston of the assembly is reciprocatively moved by the pendulum, pressure difference between cylinder chambers on both sides of the piston controls a change-over valve (120).    The valve in turn controls hydraulic pressure discharged from the cylinder chambers to be supplied to a number of hydraulic motors (121a,121b) respectively having accumulators (125a,125b) of a type in which accumulated pressure and volume of the hydraulic liquid are proportional to each other. A common generator (123) is alternatively driven by the hydraulic motors.
Appts. is claimed for reforming hydrocarbons such as fuel oils, jet engine oils, naphtha, etc. with H2O vapour in the presence of catalyst for reacting the mixt. into gas contg. H2. in a housed reforming reactor tube.    Combustion catalyst is charged between the reactor tube and housing. A fuel feed port and combustion gas discharge port are formed in the housing. The former catalyst is Ni-based alloy with additives of Mo or Co and is charged into the reactor tube. The latter catalyst may be ferrous, V or Pt mixed with alumina or silicon carbide.    ADVANTAGE -   High reforming efficiency.
Assembly is formed by two plates which are placed in abutment to form fluid passages and sealing regions preventing leakage from the passages. Before assembling, PTFE is applied in a spiral to the sealing regions of at least one and pref. both plates.    One plate may be flat and the other have channels, of both plates may have channels, and the PTFE is applied to regions bordering the outermost channels. The PTFE may be adhered to the plate, or may be applied as a flat strip which has one end secured and the other then rotated to form a spiral.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides much improved seal, the spiral shape adding resiliency to the PTFE so that it conforms better to surface irregularities.
The anionically active redn.-oxidn. system comprises (a) an electrochemical cell having anolyte and catholyte compartments (12, 11),each contg. an inert electrode (14, 13), sepd. by an ion selective membrane permeable to positive Na and K ions but impermeable to negative Br, Cl, I, S or polysulphide ions; (b) anolyte and catholyte supplies (20, 30), providing anolyte and catholyte contacting first and second electrodes respectively, each providing anionically active ions in aq. soln. and each having all redn.-oxidn. couples as anions; and (c) an electric circuit (40) electrically communicating with the electrodes, comprising a load and DC supply, and a switch selecting between load, supply or open circuit. For charging (storage) a DC voltage is provided across the electrodes, providing electrons at the first electrode. For discharge (supply) a load is connected across the electrodes and electrons are provided at the second electrode.    Cell reactions are shown in formulae (I) and (II). (I) is for the anolyte; (II) for the catholyte. Na may be substituted by K; and I may be substituted by Br or Cl, when bromine or chlorine is formed instead of polyiodide. The circuit is completed by positive Na and/or K ions passing through the membrane, from catholyte to anolyte on charging, and from anolyte to catholyte on discharge.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   System is useful for storing energy from intermittent sources, e.g. wind power, optical energy. It is capable of ambient temp. operation and repeated cycling, it has large storage capacity, increased energy density. Voltages of 1.5V for Br, 1.8V for Cl or 1.0V for I can be produced.
A heat transfer assembly for removing heat from and cooling a fuel cell includes (a) at least one conformable conduit (90) carrying circulating heat transfer material through the assembly: and (b) at least one holder (41) holding the conduit adjacent the fuel cell, structured to conform (part of) the conduit in intimate contact with the holder when assembled.    An anticrimping internal support structure for a flexible conduit carrying heat transfer material, which is bent at certain areas into relatively small radii bends, is formed in a claimed method by (i) providing a length of tightly wrapped coil (70) support material; (ii) stretching the coil into an uncoiled condition (74) only at portions corresponding to unbent portions of the conduit; and (iii) inserting the support in the conduit, esp. by screwing. This structure is used in a pref. embodiment of the assembly.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure is easily mfd. and assembled, without undue tolerances and no requirement for coatings, conductive grease, etc. It provides max. heat transfer areas, is noncorrosive in a fuel cell environment, and avoids shunt currents.
In the prodn. of hydrogen gas by a catalytic reaction of methanol and water vapour, improvement comprises using catalysts having an activity at 250-300 deg.C, and heating the catalysts using a liq. heating medium. An example of the liquid heating medium is an eutectic mixture of diphenyl and diphenylether.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for producing hydrogen for fuel cells. The temp. difference between the inside and outside of a catalyst contg. tube can be minimised to be able to use poor thermoresistive catalysts.    In an example, methanol-water vapour (1-1.5 by mol.) at 252 deg.C is fed through a tube (40mm dia., 2m length) filled with 2 l catalyst at a rate of 11.8 kg/h to produce a gas having 24.7CO2,0.8CO, and 74.5H2O (all in vol.%) at 17.4 m2/h, while flowing the 252 deg.C eutectic mixt. at 100 l/h. The outlet temp. of the vapour is 257 deg.C..
Electrolyte comprises more than about 60 mol.% of stabilised Bi oxide and stabilised Zr oxide. Electrolyte is prepd. by (1) mixing powdery Bi oxide with 5-30 mol.% of powdery stabiliser, and forming mixt. into stabilised Bi oxide by burning, (2) mixing powdery Zr oxide with 5-30 mol.% of powdery stabiliser, and forming the mixt. into stabilised Zr oxide by burning, (3) pulverising the stabilised Bi oxide and the stabilised Zr oxide, and mixing thoroughly so that the mol. ratio may become more than 60 mol,% of the former and not more than 40 mol.% of the latter and (4) moulding and burning.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   It has high electroconductivity and low thermal expansion coefft. It is useful as the material of an oxygen sensor and as the constituent of a fuel cell.
Fuel processor comprises (a) a fluidised bed for heating double catalyst and (b) a packed bed provided over (a) with a space between them, the double catalysts provided inversely extending through (b) into (a).    ADVANTAGE -   Since the material gas is heated in (a) and (b) heat conducting quantity of (a) is decreased and loss of heat by exhaust gas is reduced.
The electrode comprises (a) an electroconductive porous substrate (1,3) having one surface contg. or contacting reaction gas feed channels (5,6) and (b) gas impermeable, electrically insulating seals (7,8) of tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA) copolymer provided on the substrate at at least both the ends parallel to the reaction gas feed channels.    The electrode is mfd. by (i) applying the PFA copolymer (11) on the substrate (10), at least at the end portions parallel to the gas feed channels; and (ii) subjecting the coated substrate to hot press. bonding using a pressure bonding tool (12,13) of metal precoated with a fluoride oil (14) to form the seals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are useful for fuel cells or metal air cells. The electrode positively shields the gas streams at the coated ends and maintains electrical insulation even when subjected to press. for lamination. Lamination of elements is simplified, mfr. time is shortened and yield is increased.
Anode for oxidn. of S-contg. gas comprises a host matrix contg.: at least one transition metal pref. C, Co, Mo, Fe, Ru, Ti, W, Cu or Pb; and an O or S modifier pref. forming sulphide, oxide or oxy-sulphide of the host metal and providing compostional disorder in the material. The material has a form which increases the density of catalytically active sites and is pref. amorphous, micro-crystalline or poly-crystalline lacking long-range order.    Membrane cell for oxidising S-contg. fluid which includes the above anode in contact with the fluid.    USE -   Specifically in an H2S fuel cell or a cell for removing H2S from a fluid, esp. nautral gas. Anode has high catalytic activity and good resistance to poisoning.
Complexes which have been used in redox reactions and have become deactivated due to hydrate isomerisation are reactivated by adding an ethylene polyamide of formula (R)2NCH2CH2(NHCH2CH2)nN(R)2 (I) (where R = H or (CH2)mCH3; m and n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ..).    Pref. (I) is ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, tetraethylenepentamine or N,N,N',N'-tetraethydiethylenetriamine. (I) is added in an amt. of ca. 0.01 mole/litre, opt. together with an electrolyte salt (esp. KCl).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp. applicable to Fe/Cr redox cells for electricity storage. Addn. of (I) to the CrCl3/HCl soln. in such cells increases the peak current density or inhibits its decline.
Fuel cell ceramic tape (I) is made by admixing Li aluminate particles (under 1 micron) with an organic polymeric binder in a chlorinated hydrocarbon alcohol solvent (II), and then admixing Al2O3 particles (over 25 micron). Multiple coats of the admixut admixture are applied to a mould surface (pretreated with release agent, pref. beeswax), drying between coats, until the dried coating is 5-30 mil. thick. The (I) formed is then stripped from the surface.    Pref. (II) is perchloroethylene with BuOH or EtOH or mixts. Pref. fish oil is added with the Al2O3 and an antifoaming agent and a plasticiser are added with the binder. Generally, any polymer which decomposes at operating temps. can be used, partic. polyvinyl butyral.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is thin, flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. It thus conforms to irregularities of the electrode surfaces eliminating spaces and improving ion transfer.
The cell has at least one oxygen and one hydrogen electrode in which the gases are sepd. by adjacent thin-film porous hydrophilic membranes (15,15'). Between the membranes and the gases are hydrophilic porous membranes (14,14') each coated with a thin film of noble metal catalyst, pref. platinum, of thickness 200 to 1000 angatroms. The first membranes (15,15') are wetted with electrolyte soln. pref. KOH fed via a tube (17).    Pref. the membranes, gases and electrolyte are subjected to gas pressure of 500 to 20,000 p.s.i. to dissolve the gases in the electrolyte. Current is drawn from pref. contact rings (13,13') associated with the hydrophobic membranes (14,14'). Bladders contg. 02 and H2 are sealed to the lower and upper sides respective of flanges (6,7). The membranes are mounted in a moulded container (11) sealed between the flanges.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electricity generation. Eliminates three-phase interface and water flooding.
Molten carbonate fuel cell has an anode and a cathode each having a bilayered structure comprising a first porous layer contacting electrolyte layer and a second porous layer of sintered fibrous material for supplying fuel or oxidant gas.    Pores in first layer permit capillary action of the molten carbonate; pores in second layer do not.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrodes have good strength and performance and cells can be operated at high output density over a long period and have low internal resistance.
Fuel cell comprises first and second electrodes a matrix for carrying electrolyte sandwiched between the electrodes, the matrix having a peripheral area, and first and second process gas plates sandwiching the matrix and the electrodes. Independent integral shim devices are provided adjacent the peripheral area of the matrix, the shim comprising silicon carbide in an amount of at least about 50% by weight.    USE -   Shim to provide gas and electrolyte leakproof seal in a fuel cell. Previous shims have been of kynol, which has large pores, or of teflon, which is dry, both being prone to electrolyte or gas leakage. New shim is tough and very resistant to leakage due to the uniform distribution of pores in the silicon carbides.
Coated particles, for forming a porous carbonate electrolyte strip for use in a fused carbonate fuel cell, consist of ceramic particles which have 0.1-5 microns size, are not significantly affected by use in the cell and are completely coated with carbonate electrolyte in amt. 5-30% by vol. of the coated particles such that their size is not significantly different from that of the uncoated ceramic particles.    ADVANTAGES -   Use of such an electrolyte strip avoids the problem of fracture of the ceramic matrix on impregnation with carbonate electrolyte in the fuel cell.
A fuel cell electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant to generate electricity includes a monolithic core formed by an array of electrolyte walls (36) and interconnect walls (38), each comprising thin layers of anode and cathode material (30,32) sandwiching electrolyte and interconnect materials (37,39) respectively, and being free of any inert composite material. Separate sections of electrolyte walls are arranged between separate sections of adjacent interconnect walls to define core passageways (20,26). The passageways are alternately arranged with their inner faces formed of only anode or only cathode material for fuel and oxidant flow respectively. Conductors and terminals connect electrode materials to an external circuit. Manifolds and opt. gas feed tubes are provided to direct fuel and oxidant to the passageways.    ADVANTAGE -   The core is formed as a honeycomb structure without the use of inert support materials, increasing power density by up to 50 x that obtd. in a structure using support tubes.
A fuel cell for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant to generate electricity includes a core assembly having a central electrode region and spaced end manifold regions. The core comprises an array of electrolyte walls (30) and interconnect walls (28) each comprising cathode and anode materials respectively sandwiching electrolyte material or interconnect material. Separate sections of the elecrelectrolyte walls are arranged between separate sections of adjacent pairs of interconnect walls to define parallel core passages (13,14), alternately arranged with their inside faces formed at only anode or cathode materials, arranged for fuel and oxidant flow respectively. Manifold sections (18,19,20,21) directing fuel and oxidant for separate flow through the respective passageways are defined by an intermediate wall (32,33) extending from the electrolyte wall in the general direction of the passageway, spaced about halfway between adjacent pairs of interconnect walls to define separate end chambers open to the appropriate passageways. Ducts (24,25) are provided for gas flow, and terminals for external connection to electrodes.    ADVANTAGES -   The structure improves manifolding, and allows cell passageways to be made very small, for increased power density.
A fuel cell electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant to generate electricity includes a core assembly having an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls (45,48). Each wall consists of thin layers of cathode and anode materials (42,40) sandwiching electrolyte material (44) or interconnect material (47). The interconnect and electrolyte walls are spaced apart and alternately arranged with layers of like electrode materials facing each other. Spaced webs (72) of anode and cathode materials extend across the spaces between the walls to define core passageways (13,14) having their inner faces formed entirely of anode or of cathode material, for fuel and oxidant flow respectively. Manifolds are provided to direct fuel and oxidant flow through the respective passageways. Terminals connect anode and cathode materials to an external circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure provides small passageways for high power density operation. A pref. cross flow design provides simple and reliable manifolding.
Only the oxygen is utilised and at the same time the hydrogen is stored in an accumulator or hydrogen storage alloy. Hydrogen and air are supplied to the electrochemical appts., which is operated as a hydrogen/air fuel cell to consume the hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogen is completely consumed in the hydrogen/air fuel cell. The water obtd. by operating the fuel cell can be used as a water source for the water electrolysis appts. Electric power can be obtd. by using the fuel cell. Appts. is light weight and occupies a small space.
The hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis is supplied to a hydrogen/air fuel cell and at the same time the fuel cell is operated to consume the hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method combines use of water electrolysis appts. and hydrogen/air fuel cell. Hydrogen is completely consumed in the fuel cell and the water obtd. by operating the fuel cell can be utilised as a water source for the water electrolysis appts. Electric powder can be obtd. by operating the hydrogen air fuel cell, leading to effective use of the power. For example, the hydrogen generated from the water electrolysis appts. which has been operated for one hour is consumed in 25 hours in the fuel cell.
A fluid distributor plate (11) for use in an electrochemical cell of the filter press type has a plate with two holes (12) and a connecting channel (14). The holes correspond to a supply and discharge for fluid flowing through the reaction chamber defined by a central opening (15) formed by the holes.    The channel has a first portion (24) to introduce a pressure drop in the fluid flowing between the holes. A second portion (25) has diverging walls (26, 27) opening into the central opening for delivering fluid from side to side and across the thickness of the chamber. The width of the second portion at the central opening is not greater than about 5 times its length nor less than about 2 times the plate thickness.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell design has the versatility to be used efficiently in many electrochemical processes. fluid distribution system provides continuous, controlled and even distribution of electrolyte between cell units.
Burner system comprises a non-electrolysis H2/02 generator, a reservoir of non-electrolytic natural water, a pair of non-oxidising plates positioned in the reservoir and connected to a d.c. voltage source, and a gas mixing chamber. Conduits connect the generator and the mixing chamber and the reservoir and are provided with control valves.    USE -   Combustion system for use in a mechanical drive system.
The battery (13)    voltage (E) is applied via a handle (2) operated switch to a reference load in a capacitor (5) form. The battery voltage suddenly drops and rises to its almost initial value (E). The speed of the voltage growth across the capacitor (5) is measured by the pulse voltmeter (12) via a differentiating circuit (8, 7). The speed of the voltage growth a at battery terminals is a monotonic function, which provides the information about the battery discharge degree. This information is used to control the batteries.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In servicing and maintaining silver-zinc starter batteries in working condition before installation. Method improves the validity of flaw detection of batteries without extending the duration of the test. Bul.7/23.2.84
An assembly for distributing reactant materials in a fuel cell comprising two adjacent electrically conductive plate members forming an interface between each other where they contact each other, at least one of the plates being made of a porous material suitable for distributing reactant material from a surface of it other than the surface forming the interface with the other plate, the two plates being bonded together at their interface with a sealant material in the pores of the first plate in the region of the interface so that the two plates maintain electrical contact with each other whilst preventing the reactant material from passing from the first plate to the other plate through the interface.    ADVANTAGE -   The porous gas distribution assembly is easily made by a simple hot pressing technique; the bipolar assemblies can be combined into stacked assemblies for use in fuel cells; the resulting fuel cells have high reliability.
A fluorinated cation-exchange polymer membrane which is a non-reinforced film impermeable to the hydraulic flow of liq., and comprising at least first and second layers of fluorinated polymer whose functional gps. are -CFZ-COOM gps. or -CFO-SO3M gps., where M = H, Na, K or NH4, Z = F, CF3 or CF2Cl, and Q = F, Cl, 1-10C perfluoroalkyl or CF2Cl, adjacent layers being in inherent contact with one another. The first layer is of polymer whose functional gps. are -CFZ-COOM gps. and the second layer is of polymer whose functional gps. are -CFO-SO3M gps., and the membrane is characterised by (i) the membrane has a hydrogen bubble release layer at the outer surface of the first layer, (ii) has voids at the outer surface of the second layer, with a void content of 20-70% (iii) each polymer with -CFZ-COOM gps. has an equiv. wt. of 670-1500 and (iv) each polymer with -CFO-SO3M gps. has an equiv. wt. of 600-1500.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membranes have superior performance to prior art membranes and esp. exhibit improved characteristics for use as membranes in chloralkali cells for the electrolysis of NaCl soln., including operation at low voltage and high current efficiency, and thus with lowered power consumption. The membranes are also useful for electrolysis of KCl and other inorganic cpds., e.g. the electrolysis of water to give hydrogen and oxygen. The membranes may also be used in fuel cells and in the electrolysis of organic cpds.
The article, prepd. by conversion to C or carbonising, consists of C-contg. material contg. 5-50 wt% graphite, balance glassy C. The article is formed by converting a thermosetting resin to C by heating.    Pref. the compsn. of the carbonised articles is adjusted so that they have (a) density y equal to at least (0.004.x) + 1.235, where x = wt. ratio (%) of graphite/the C-contg. material of the articles, and (b) gas-permeability below 10 power minus 4 ml/min. sq. cm. atmos. per thickness unit, in mm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are useful as sepg. foils in phosphate fuel cells. A dense C-contg. structure is obtd. without cracking. Compressive strength, flexural strength and electrical conductivity are improved as well as impermeability for gases and liqs.
The battery comprises (a) a reactive metal anode; (b) a flowed electrolyte; (c) a porous cathode structure defining a catalytically active surface; and (d) a supply of electrochemically reducible soluble cathode reactant through the cathode to the active surface. Sufficient cathode reactant is supplied for redn. maintaining a high energy discharge rate. The cathode is formed of a solid, electrochemically reducible porous material and/or includes flow passages to deliver the soluble reactant from a store uniformly to the active surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The structure is useful in various flowed electrolyte batteries, including Mg-seawater battery. The supply of reactant to the cathode can be unlimited yet a high discharge rate can be maintained. The structure also avoids waste of cathode reactant, by supplying at the utilisation rate.
Molten carbonate fuel cell having anode (12), cathode (14) and electrolyte has the electrolyte formed with two tile sections (16,18). The section adjacent the anode is gas impervious, limiting leakage of fuel gas into the electrolyte. The section adjacent the cathode has pores sized to permit the presence of O2 gas in the electrolyte, limiting the formation of metal deposits by redn. of metal components migrating into the electrolyte from the cathode.    The cathode contains a transition metal, of Ni, Mn, Fe, Sn or Co; esp. porous Ni based compsn., e.g. lithiated NiO. The cathode contains small pores retaining molten carbonate electrolyte and larger pores providing O2 and CO2 access. The tiles are of stable insulating material, e.g. LiAlO2, SrTiO3, MgO.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell provides high performance at elevated pressure, allowing use of pref. transition metal contg. cathodes with degradation by metal deposition minimised.
Current interrupter has operational reliability improved by using guides for the container rigid partition    to prevent the partition from being skewed during its operational motion. This prevents two gates from not being simultaneously switched on.    During operation, the electrolyte is fed via the gate (4) along the line (2) into the cavity (9), while the gate (4) interrupts the electrolyte flow into the cavity (8) and the gate (5) opens the line (3) and closes the line (2). The cavity (8) decreases its volume due to the container (6) corrugated walls. The cavity (8) electrolyte passes via the line (3) and gate (5) to the electrolyte    main stream (1). The electrolyte exercises pressure on the partition (7)    which is displaced along its guides (18) and is prevented from assuming the skewed position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In preventing the current, which flows via the tube conductors from leaking via the electrolyte. Bul.6/15.2.84
Fuel cell electrolyte matrix is made by: providing fuel and oxidising electrodes coated with a catalyst layer on one side; forming a powder layer of electrolyte resistive material (I) on one or both catalyst layers; interposing an electrolyte paste layer of acid electrolyte mixed with (I); and pressing the assembly together.    Pref. the electrolyte is H3PO4 or a polymer of trifluormethane sulphonic acid; and (I) is one or more of SiC, WC, Si3N4, ZrO2, Ta2O5, and Zr and Si phosphate.    Fuel cell electrolyte matrix, formed as above, in which the amt. of electrolyte per unit wt. of particles is greater in the outer powder layers than in the inner paste layer, pref. 1-2X greater is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Matrix permits high impregnation of electrolyte without reducing its bubble pressure and retaining high H ion conductivity; matrix is also easy to mfr.
The process comprises (a) collecting solar light rays of sufficient energy for the reaction; (b) focussing the rays to concentrate their energy on a homogeneous mixt. of (i) oxide of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Sr, Ca, Ba, Al, Sc, Y, U, Th, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Pa, Np, Pu, Am, Cm, Bk or mixts. and (ii) C in stoichiometric excess for metal carbide formation, heating the mixt. to at least 1800 deg. C; (c) forming liq. phase metal carbide contg. unreacted C; (d) continuously removing the liq. phase carbide as it is formed and exposing the remaining partially reacted surface to focussed light rays to produce additional liq. metal carbide; and (e) recovering the metal carbide.    The metal carbide can be subsequently reacted to form H2, acetylene, methane or other hydrocarbon useable as fuel, thus storing the solar energy indefinitely in an easily recoverable form.
Generator comprises light absorbing semiconductor receptors embedded in a hydrogel, the light receptors being capable of producing an electrical current when activated by light, and providing hydrogen and oxygen by decomposition of water by electrolysis.    Pref. the hydrogel is transparent and is e.g. of polyhydroxypropyl methacrylate or polymethyl methacrylate -hydroxyethylmethacrylate. The photosensitive particles are e.g. of TiO2 combined with gallium phosphorus; Pt combined with Strontium titanium trioxide, tin oxide combined with a dye; zinc oxide combined with rose bengal dye; or ferric oxide, titanium dioxide, tin oxide and zinc oxide photoanodes combined with a noble metal such as Pt. The photosensitive particles are suspended in the monomer before polymerisation and a catalyst is added to cause polymerisation. After polymerisation the transparent polymer contg. the photosensitive particles is machined into pieces. After hydration in the electrolyte the liq. semiconductor junction is established at the photosensitive interface and H2 and O2 will be released by the electrolysis of water upon exposure to sunlight.    USE -   Use of a hydrogel carrier provides a permanent contamination free liq. to solid interface for prodn. of H2 and O2 by utilisation of sunlight. The system is self-regulating since when O2 and H2 are produced at a rate greater than the migration rate into the polymer matrix away from the reaction site, undissolved gas accumulates, water is displaced and further gas prodn. ceases until the gas dissolves or is free to migrate.
An electrically conductive layer is produced on the surface of a solid electrolyte by (a) subjecting an organic ion exchange material to swelling in a liq. impregnation with a soln. of metal ions, drying and exposure in a gas stream at 50-250 deg. C to a reactive atmos. to convert the metal ions to finely divided particles which are in electronically conductive connection with eath other; (b) re-swelling the resulting doped ion exchange material in an organic polar solvent and forming it into a spreadable paste; and (c) applying the paste by brush or by screen printing to the surface of the solid electrolyte, followed by drying.    Also claimed is an electrically conductive layer on the surface of a solid electrolyte, the layer consisting of an electronically non-conductive matrix of an organic ion exchange material in which finely divided particles are incorporated, the particles being in electronically conductive contact with each other and having a particle dia. of 1-50 nm, a mean particle spacing of 1-10 nm and a surface density of 0.01-1 mg/sq.cm..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used to form an electrically conductive film on the surface of a solid electrolyte in the form of an ion exchange membrane for electrochemical cells. Large membranes can be coated at minimal cost by minimising the amt. of expensive precious metals used as electrode materials and electrocatalysts.
Electrochemical processes are claimed for producing oxygen and/or hydrogen from an aq. electrolyte, esp. water, in which the anode and/or the cathode has been produced by electrolytic treatment of a nickel anode or cathode structure.    The treatment comprises exposing the electrode structure to alternate anodic and cathodic potentials in an electrolytic soln. which has a conductivity greater than 0.001 mho-cm and which contains ions, esp. chloride ions, which enhance the dissolution of metallic nickel.    ADVANTAGE -   The treatment of the electrodes reduces overvoltage and reduces power consumption for the electrolysis of water. In partic., the treated anodes have reduced overvoltages of about 200mV and cathodes of about 50mV.
The battery comprises (a) a redox reaction type positive electrode half cell compartment (12) contg. an aq. electrolyte including Br- ion, Br2 and a complexing organic liq. for Br2; (b) a redox type negative electrode half cell compartment (14) contg. an aq. soln. of Cr ion capable of the reaction Cr 2(+) reversibly to Cr 3(+) +e; and (c) an anion perselective membrane (16) between the compartments providing electrolyte fluid communication between them.    A storage reservoir (20) is provided for the Br2-contg. complexing organic liq., with an electrolyte loop for transferring the Br2 between the complexing liq. and the aq. electrolyte for reaction of the positive half cell electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The battery is suitable for bulk energy applications, and operates totally by redox reactions. The amt. Br2 transferred to the negative half cell is minimised by complexing, minimising self discharge.
The membrane impermeable to hydraulic flow of liquid comprises first and second layers of fluorinated polymers with functional gps. of formula -CFZ-COOM and -CFQ-SO3M (II), respectively. In the formulae, M = H, Na, K or NH4; Z = F, CF3 or CF2Cl; and Q = F, Cl, 1-10C perfluoroalkyl or CF2Cl. The layers adhere to each other.    The improvement is that the membrane has a hydrogen bubble release layer at the outer surface of the first layer, has voids at the outer surface of the second layer characterised by a void volume of 5-40 (8-20) % and an open area of 15-100 (50-90) % and has reinforcement strands partially or completely embedded in the layer. The polymer with -CFZ-COOM gps. has an equiv. wt. of 600-1500, pref. 770-1250 and the polymer with -CFQ-SO3M gps. has an equiv. wt. of 600-1500(900-1400).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Claimed cell is a chloralkali cell operating at low voltage and high current efficiency and thus at a low power consumption. The membrane may also be used for the electrolysis of KCl, org. cpds. and water to form hydrogen and oxygen. Other applications include fuel cells.
Electrode for use in the electrolysis of aq. salt solns. in which a gaseous prod. is produced, comprises a network of electroconductive metal coated filaments having a porosity of above ca. 80%, the electrode having a face side and a back side, the back side having a non-continuous coating of a hydrophobic coating agent. Parent patent claimed prods. of electrodes.    Pref. (a) the electroconductive metal is chosen from Ni and Ni alloys; Mo and Mo alloys; Co and Co alloys; Mg and Mg alloys; W and W alloys; and Au and Au alloys; in which the alloying metal is suitable for use in contact with the electrolyte. (b) the hydrophobic coating is a thermoplastic polymer chosen from polyolefins, polyhaloolefins, polyarylene sulphides and polysulphones, esp. PTFE, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polychlorotrifluoro-ethylene, fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer,PVC, polyvinylidene chloride, perfluoroalkoxy resin, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, TEFLON EPE (RTM), polyphenylene sulphide or polynaphthalene sulphide. (c) pref. 20-40% of the projected surface area of the coated surface is covered by the hydrophobic coating agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes may be used as anodes or (esp.) cathodes, and are pref. used in cells producing hydrogen, chlorine or bromine. The reticulate electrode has a high surface area and the coated surface facilitates nucleation for the gas bubbles at the back of the electrode, whilst the density of bubbles at the face and within the electrode is substantially reduced, and the rapid release of bubbles at the back increases the gas lift effect which increases the flow of electrolyte through the internal area and removes more quickly the bubbles formed at the face and within the electrode. This causes a redn. in electrical resistance and cell voltage is reduced.
Fuel cell is dielectrically isolated from external manifolds by (a) providing an impermeable ceramic structure (52) between the fuel cell and manifolds; and (b) disposing a porous ceramic gasket (56) between and contiguous with the fuel cell and ceramic; and pref. (c) disposing a second porous ceramic gasket (54) between and contiguous with the ceramic and each manifold.    A fuel cell electrical power generation appts. comprises (i) a fuel cell or fuel cell stack (40), (ii) external manifolds (42,44,60,60') for conveying oxygen-rich gas and fuel to the cell and spent prods. from the cell; and (iii) a manifold barrier (50) providing dielectric isolation, as above, with gaskets pref. but not essentially ceramic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Isolation structure is esp. useful for molten carbonate electrolyte fuel cell systems, also for hot phosphoric acid electrolyte. The ceramic prevents formation of a shunt current path between fuel cell (stack) and manifolds, with its thickness tailored to operating potential.
The photoelectrode comprises (a) a transparent, electrolyte resistant electrocatalytic layer (7); (b) an electroconductive substrate (9); and (c) a layered semiconductor photoelectrode element (11,21) between and contacting the layer and substrate.    The photolytic cell comprises (i) an anode and a cathode, electrically connected through an unbiased circuit, where at least one electrode (5) is a photoelectrode as above; and (ii) an aq. electrolyte contacting anode and cathode.    H2 is produced by illuminating the photoelectrode, to evolve H2at the cathode and a co-prod. at the anode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is esp. useful for alkali halide electrolysis, providing H2, alkali hydroxide and halogen or oxy-halide soln. prods. It may also be used for water electrolysis generating H2 and O2. The photolysis does not require an external power supply.
In a conventional electrode process appts., single cells each having a positive chamber or a negative chamber are formed via partitioning membranes to perform electrode process by circulating an electrolyte through the cells. Bubbles are mixed in at least some soln. in an electrolyte channel communicating the single cells.    USE/ADVANTAGES -   The method reduces leakage current occurring in the process appts., including electrolytic layers and battery cells, thereby providing conservation of energy in these appts.
Separator comprises glassy carbon of thickness 0.1-1.0 mm, specific resistance of less than 0.01 cm., and the gas transmissivity of less than 1.0 x 10 power minus 5 cu.cm./sec. (H2 gas).    ADVANTAGE -   This glassy carbon separator has less thickness, low electric resistance and sufficient strength capable of handling. Since the separator is carbon product, it can resist corrosion.    Prepn. consists of adding hardener to furan resin, if necessary, ultrafine carbon black and the mixt. is evacuated under vacuum to remove reaction water and low molecular components. The reaction product so obtd. is applied in a given thickness on the surface of a substrate prepd. by applying release agent on a gypsum or PVC plate by spraying a high viscosity soln. or brushing and hardened at room temp. The hardened material, after removing the substrate is inserted between graphite plates, and calcined.
A solid electrolyte for fuel cells and other electrochemical devices comprises a structure contg. small pore-like passages and providing O-ion transfer by multiple internally exposed surfaces of a compsn. contg. an oxide of a multivalent transition metal. A fuel cell or electrochemical device comprises the electrolyte associated with O-rich and O-deficient electrodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte may be used in fuel cells or oxygen sensors for automatic carburetaion and emission control in internal combustion engines, for industrial combustion control, or for electrolytic pumps regulating or regenerating the oxygen content of a controlled atmos..
An oxygen sensor comprises (a) a layer of ceramic Ni(Nb1-x Mnx)2 06-x or Ni2 (Nb1-x Mnx)2 07-x; where M = Zr+4, Ti+4, Sn+4, Hf+4 and/or Cr+4; and x = 0-0.2; pref. Ni Nb206 sandwiched between two layers of porous metallic conductor.    Alternatively oxygen sensor or fuel cell comprises (a') a number of layers (20) of electrolytic ceramic; (b') layers (22,26) of porous metallic conductor interposed and contained between the ceramic layers to form a solid body; where first alternate metal layers (22) are exposed along a first side (24) and second alternate metal layers are exposed along a second opposing side (28); and (c') first and second metal electrodes (30,32) connecting first alternate metal layers at the first side and second alternate metal layers at the second side.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The oxygen sensors provide an electronic signal indicating O2 partial pressure of a first gas w.r.t. O2 partial pressure of a second gas, esp. for combustion systems. The threshold operating temp. is lower then the 600 deg. C of conventional ZrO2-Y2O3, and may be below 350 deg. C. The electrodes are less subject to erosion and corrosion.
The electrode comprises a C fibre material having a general direction 002 spacing of quasi-graphite crystalline structure not more than 3.70A; an average C-axis size of crystallite not less than 9.0A; and at least 3 (pref. at least 7) mole % 0 at. bound to the fibre surface, with % based on C at.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is used in a redox flow secondary battery. It may be used in other regenerative type fuel cells, for sewage treatment or for prodn. of organic cpds. by electrolysis. The specific C fibres provide improved electrical conductivity, e.g. 0.42 Scm-2; high current efficiency, e.g. 93.8%; excellent hydrodynamic characteristics, e.g. press. drop through cell 120 mm Hg using knitted fibres; and excellent handling characteristics. (First major country equivalent to J59119680-A)
In fuel cells using phosphoric acid as an electrolyte and a platinum catalyst as a reaction accelerator, waste matter is heated at above 200 deg.C to condensation react the phosphoric acid with platinum. The platinum cpd. formed is removed from the aq. soln.    By heating the waste matter, phosphoric acid is condensed into pyro-, metha- and poly-phosphoric acids and diffused into a carbon fibre substrate. Platinum supported with the carbon fibre substrate is reacted with the condensed phosphoric acids, to form a stable platinum cpd. soluble in an aq. soln.    ADVANTAGE -   The platinum source is recovered from the waste matter in a simplified method.
The combustion zone of a catalytic combustion type reactor consists of a number of blocks each comprising a reactor tube filled with a reforming catalyst and a combustion catalyst surrounding the tube.    Material gas is reformed by flowing it through the reactor tube filled with a reforming catalyst, while combustion gas is flowed through a combustion catalyst to give heat to the reforming catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates charging/discharging of reforming catalysts (in the form of powder).
An electrode for use in photoelectrochemical cells to generate fuels and useful chemicals, comprises (a) a semiconductor overcoated with a conductive film capable of transporting electrons and holes and comprising a charge conductive polymer for preventing photogenerated holes and electrons from substantially reacting with the electrode, and (b) at least one redox enhancer (I) for catalysing certain chemical reactions required for generation of the fuels and useful chemicals and for substantially preventing the photogenerated holes and electrons from reacting with the conductive polymer, the (I) being incorporated into or attached to the surface of the conductive polymer and being chosen from a gp. consisting of charge-relaying agents. (i) The conductive polymer is pref. chosen from heterocyclic aromatic polymers with extending pi-bonding, phthalocyaninatometal polymers with organic bridging ligands contg. delocalised pi-electrons, bridges stacked metallophthalocyanines where pi-orbital overlap occurs at the phthalocyanine rings, and conductive polymers derived from the addn. of metals or graphite particles to organic polymers. (ii) the (I) may be on the surface of the film or mixed with the polymer. (iii) a pref. cell comprises an electrolyte contg. at least two redox couples and at least one photoelectrode as claimed; (iv) the redox couples are chosen e.g. from (a) H+/H2 and O2/H2O, (b) CO2/HCOOH and O2/H2O, (c) CO2/HCHO and O2/H2O, (d) CO2/CH3OH, and O2/H2O, (e) CO2/CH4 and O2/H2O, (f) N2/NH3 and O2/H2O and (g) CO2/C6H1206 and O2/H2O. (v) the semiconductor may be n-type or p-type, (vi) the photoelectrode material is chosen from amorphous material, thin film material, single crystal material and multiple layered material (vii) the cell may comprise a second electrode which is metal.
Anode and cathode compartments of electrolytic H2 generator are sepd. by a H-ion permeable membrane. At the anode, an aq. flow of HI and H2SO4 is electrolysed to form I2 and H ions. The latter diffuse to the cathode compartment, which contains H2SO4, and are discharged as H2 gas.    Effluent from anode, contg. I2 and H2SO4, is reacted with SO2 to form HI. Prod. stream is evaporated to form aq. H2SO4 and gaseous H2O and HI; gases are condensed and refed with major part of H2SO4 to the anode. Balance of H2SO4 is decomposed to SO2.    ADVANTAGE -   High solubility of HI enables conc. H2SO4 (up to 80 wt.%) to be used, thereby favouring the forward reaction and reducing subsequent evapn. costs; anode rates are increased by chemisorptopn of (I). In comparison, a previous process using SO2 for depolarisation suffered from the low solubility of SO2 and consequent use of low concn. H2SO4.
A battery of fuel cells using, e.g. liq. sodium, requires a high internal temp. within set limits to be maintained. The present system controls battery temp. and can be used for vehicles. A cooling medium, e.g. pottassium is circulated through the insulated battery (16), contained within stainless steel tubes (22,38).    When the internal temp. drops a sensor (44) may either switch an external power supply to inbuilt electrical heaters (36) or oxidise a hydro-carbon fuel e.g. butane, using a catalyst (26) to produce heat. The fuel is piped (32) into the battery from an external tank. Cooling is performed by a finned radiator (24) located at the battery top. Cooling air enters via a pipe (28).    ADVANTAGE -   Independence from mains supply.
The fuel cell comprises (a) a porous cathode of electronically conductive In203-RexOy-Hf02/ZrO2 ceramic (where RExOy is rare earth oxide, e.g. PrO2); (b) an anode of the same ceramic or of metal; and (c) a solid electrolyte of ionically conductive, oxide-stabilised ZrO2 of HfO2 ceramic between the electrodes; where the electrolyte and at least the cathode, pref. also the anode, are fabricated as and intimately bonded into integral unit.    ADVANTAGES -   The fuel cell operates at high temp. with electrolyte and electrodes remaining stable, and may be used with a wide variety of fuels without requiring a catalytic surface.
The fuel cell has two noncatalytic electrodes electrically contacting a solid, stabilised, fluorite-structured metal oxide electrolyte. It is operated by (a) contacting a porous anode with a fuel capable of being oxidised and a porous cathode with oxygen at below 1000 deg.C. (pref. 700-800 deg.C.); and (b) drawing electrical current from the electrodes. The fuel may be incompletely oxidised in the cell to produce a useful prod., which is isolated.    USE -   The fuel cells may be connected together to provide voltages of 110V. Useful prods. may be obtained, e.g. formaldehyde or formic acid from methanol fuel. The fuel cell operates at high current efficiency, and at moderate temps. so the nature of materials is not critical, and expensive, short-life catalysts are not needed. /3
A water-oil interface - electrode end spacing control system for oil cracking and water electrolysis comprises an a.c. current sensor for flowthrough an electrode (18) in the oil layer through the interface (22) and water layer and a power controller responsive to the sensed current to activate systems for removing or introducing water so that water level is kept within a range appropriate to the hydrogen generation rate required.    The a.c. system is pref. connected to at least one pair of electrodes, with one in the oil and the other in the water layer, spaced either side of the interface. The controller may activate a delivery pump or open a drain cock, or may activate a pump operable in both directions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Applicable to i.c. engine. It maintains interface level irrespective of electrode erosion.
Cathode has an active surface comprising a nickel substrate and a dendritic nickel or cobalt coating layer.    Claimed for use in a cell for electrolysis of sodium chloride solns.    Pref. the substrate consists of an electrically conductive support with an impermeable nickel film, opt. coated with a porous intermediate layer of electrically conductive material such as plasma-sprayed nickel oxide. The dendritic layer has a weight of 0.002-5 g/dm2 of substrate and is produced by electrodeposition.    ADVANTAGE -   The cathode allows a greater increase in electrolysis voltage than other nickel-coated cathodes including those having porous active coatings of hydrogen overvoltage-reducing material.
Fuel cell, comprising a pair of electrodes with electrolyte between them in a chamber adapted for gas supply to the electrodes, has (a) a negative electrode having an Au substrate; carrying an underpotential layer of predetermined metal serving as catalyst for redn.-oxidn. reactions of O2 and fuel; and (b) an electrolyte contg. ions of the predetermined metal.    The catalyst metal comprises a monolayer, varying from continuous to discontinuous as a function of operation, with catalyst metal ats. entering and leaving soln. during operation to provide a self cleaning catalyst layer, with organic or cation impurities prevented from depositing on the monolayer.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalysts provide efficient, long life operation and are refurbishable in situ, provide high surface area and may be selected to be nonpoisoning. Power and efficiency are increased for a given fuel. The catalytic metal is Ag, Pt, Pd, Ir or Rh. Less noble metals, including Tl, Pb and Bi may be used, when these are non-poisoning in the system. The electrolyte is alkaline, having pH greater than 7, e.g. 1-15M NaOH or KOH. The fuel is methanol, formic acid, formaldehyde or H2. /5
Water is fed directly, without prior distn.; into an electrolytic appts. (I) for decomposition into H2 and O2 prods. and simultaneous pptn. of minerals esp. oxides of Fe, Mg and Na and to a lesser extent oxides of Ca, K, Mn, Ba, Cu and Zn. Sea, waste or tap H20 may be treated; NaOH or KOH in a concn. of 2.2 wt.% is added as an electrolyte if tap H20 is treated.    USE/ADVANTAGES -   Process is cheap and efficient with a high prod. yield. A heavy and large housing for (I) is not required. Use of high voltage cables, heavy gauge wiring and precious metal electrodes is dispensed with. Concns. of electrolyte in the aq. bath are reduced and heating and pressurisation thereof is not required. (I) does not need circulatory equipment or inert gas purging. Feed H20 does not require filtering.
Cell comprises gas spaces , that are disposed on both sides of the gas electrode . The upstream space is connected to the reaction gas supply, with the downstream space having connections for the discharge of spent reaction gas from the gas electrode.    The cell can effect electrochemical conversion of a gaseous reactant in prim. and sec. iron/air and zinc/air batteries, for fuel cells for hydrogen/air and methanol/air, electrochemical oxygen generators, cells for electrolysis of solutions of alkali metal halogenides etc.    The arrangement allows a considerably higher power density, based on the electrode area. Weight and volume are reduced considerably by the integration of the gas and electrolyte chambers. Electrode performance is improved, due to selective transport of oxygen through the electrode which concentrates the oxygen in the active areas.
Gas mixt. is passed through a fixed bed reactor contg. one or more substrates coated with, or comprising, porous Al2O3 or aluminate, impregnated with alkali metal carbonate. The substrate medium pref. comprises either a monolith or a bed of pellets. CO2 is removed by reaction with carbonate to form hydrogen carbonate. Absorption is effected at below about 100 deg.C and regeneration is by heating above 100 deg.C.    System is useful in cleaning air feed to metal/air batteries, fuel cells and other electrochemical processes employing air cathodes and alkaline electrolyte; esp. use is for battery systems in electric cars and heavy trucks, where regeneration is during the battery charging cycle or by use of heat from exhaust gases respectively. System is also useful in submarines, space vehicles, etc. Need to purify electrolyte of carbonate is avoided by preventing access of CO2 to electrolyte. Absorption is rapid and efficient, allowing a small reactor size.
The generator comprises a housing of heat-resistant material, an open-topped crucible contg. particulate ferrous oxide disposed in the housing, an induction coil positioned around the crucible and connected to a source of water, and a generator coil of stainless steel tubing positioned within the crucible for discharging gaseous H2 and O2 upwardly through the ferrous oxide.    Used for H2 prodn. from decompsn. of H2O passing through heated induction and generator coils, for use in supplying heat to buildings, including conventional homes. The generator has a simple and inexpensive construction.
The anode is mfd. by (a) soaking C felt in methanol for at least 15 mins.; (b) rinsing in water; (c) simmering in 30-50wt.% KOH at 100 deg.C for 1-3 hrs.; (d) rinsing in tap water; (e) soaking in deionised water for at least 8 hrs., then damp drying; (f) moistening with methanol-water soln. contg. 50-80 (pref. 75) vol.% methanol having dissolved HAuCl3 . 3H2O to coat all the felt surfaces with the Au-contg. soln.; (g) storing in the dark at 0-35 (pref. 25) deg.C for 10-14 hrs.; (h) drying (after removal from light-tight container) at 90-130 (pref. 100) deg.C; and (i) heating at 250-280 (pref. 270) deg.C for 2-3 (pref. 21/2) hrs.    A redox cell having an ion conductive membrane sepg. a container into two compartments, with cathode fluid contg. Fe2+/Fe3+ couple in one compartment and anode fluid contg. chromous/chromic couple in the other, is mfd. including mfg. an electrode as above; then (j) wetting with deionised water; and (k) disposing the resulting inert, electrically conductive electrode in the anode fluid to develop a negative charge.    The electrodes are highly reproducible with consistent properties and provide very low H2 evolution, as shown by the curve on the far right of the graph.
The cracking reactor enables a vehicle to be driven by fuel cells and is designed for rapid starting when the vehicle has not been used for some time e.g. overnight. A combined system of direct and indirect heating is used for heating up the cracking catalyser. Liquid methanol is burnt with a reduced or stoichiometric proportion of air in the combustion chamber of the reactor. The resulting gas flow is used for heat exchange with the cracking chamber, so that a catalyser is indirectly heated.    The combustion gases are then returned through the catalyser bed to directly heat the catalyst pellets. When the reactor has reached the operating temperature, combustion of the methanol stops and a hot gas valve operates to discharge the combustion gases from the system. Methanol can then be supplied directly to the reactor. The burner can then be operated by excess gases from the fuel cells.
A fuel cell energy system for electric vehicles, includes a stack of fuel cells which receive fuel from a catalyst reactor to crack a hydrocarbon (methanol), and a CO conversion reactor. In normal operation a part of the energy is used in an electrolytic reactor for the electrolysis of water. For peak requirements, pure oxygen and hydrogen are passed from the storage tanks to cathode and anode instead of air and reformed methanol.    The fuel cell stack can be kept small enough to cover the normal operation. Any several times greater peak demand is covered by oxygen (oxidant) and hydrogen (fuel).
Fuel cell comprises (a) a solid electrolyte sepg. anode and cathode; (b) a reforming catalyst supported by the anode surface opposite the electrolyte; (c) two housings defining a first chamber about the anode and reforming catalyst and a second chamber about the cathode; and (d) inlets for hydrocarbon fuel to the first chamber and oxidant to the second.    The cell is operated by (i) providing the cell as above, where anode and cathode contain catalysts and the reforming catalyst is spinel contg. active Ni; (ii) providing oxidant to the cathode; (iii) providing hydrocarbon fuel and steam to the reforming catalyst to form H2 gas adjacent the catalyst; and (iv) periodically substituting an oxidant for the fuel at the reforming catalyst to oxidise (part of) any elemental Ni formed on the spinel and allow oxidised Ni to enter the porous spinel structure; then exposing to H2 gas to regenerate the elemental Ni.    Hydrocarbon fuel is directly supplied to the cell without prior reforming; the reforming catalyst uses heat generated by the anode; the structure is compact, reducing space requirement and improving heat transfer; and the reforming catalyst is regenerated in situ.
The separator comprises a housing to which water is supplied from inlet. The water flows upwardly through an array of plates to which a non-regulated, non-filtered, low power, direct current voltage is applied from a source. The d.c. voltage may be continuous or pulsed.    The plates may be planar or tubular in which case the tubular plates may be arranged concentrically or in concentric rings. The hydrogen gas is discharged via upper outlet, whilst the oxygen gas is discharged via outlet. Unseparated water flows into lower chamber and is discharged via lower outlet for recycling via line.    Simple, efficient, low cost process. No chemicals are added to the water and electrical power consumption is negligible. The hydrogen and oxygen formed can be recombined to give pure water. Can be employed in liquid slurry removal systems.
Prepn. of metallised C catalysts, in which substantial amts. of zero-valent active metal (Fe, Co, Cr, Wo, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Rh, Ru, Os, Ir, Ni, Cu, but esp. Pd, Pt, Mo or Ag) in small cluster form on the surface of the C, comprises (i) vaporising the metal in the vicinity of an (in)organic liq. solvent (many are given), (ii) dissolving the metal as a labile solvated zero-valent complex in the solvent which is then contacted with particulate C to cause metal deposition; and finally (iii) removing liq. from the C.    All the operations may be carried out at from room temp. down to the freezing pt. of the solvent. The metal may be vapourised at low pressure near a thin moving film of the solvent which may contain a slurry of C.    Specifically claimed are Ag with a slurry in THF and Pd with toluene slurry. Alternatively Ag may be vapourised in a rotating vessel contg. the THF slurry as a thin film on its wall.    Used for prepn. of O-electrodes in fuel cells as well as for general catalytic use.
Amt. of alkaline hydroxide (I) is pref. such that on heating in CO2, carbonate filling 5-15% of the electrode pore vol. is formed.    (I) is pref. an alkali(ne earth) hydroxide, more pref. Na, K or Li hydroxide, esp. Li-K hydroxide. A ceramic oxide (II) is also pref. included which provides during heating a stable cpd. which affords sintering resistance and good carbonate retention. (II) is pref. ZrO2, Al2O3 or Fe2O3.    Esp. in Ni(alloy) electrodes for molten carbonate fuel cells. Carbonate electrolyte is incorporated into the electrode without the high temp. etc. problems of prior art methods.
(JP92037545-B)      Electrode plate for fuel cell comprises a pair of porous plates made of short C fibres bonded with a carbide and intermediate part formed between the plates. The intermediate part lies a tunnel flow passage parallel to the surface of the plate.    Used for high temp. fuel cells. (J59078459-A)
The plate (18) e.g. of porous carbon has a seal along an edge which layer is formed by impregnation with graphite adhesive solution e.g. by dipping. Pref. the solvent is carbonisable. The seal is cured by heating e.g. at 50 deg.C to 400 deg.C for 4 to 50 hours pref. by stages increases. For small pore plates e.g. of carbonised needled felt, the solution is pref. vibrates at 50 to 500,000 cycles/second.    Alternatively, for bi-polar plate assemblies, a groove is formed and filled with a paste immobilised acid e.g. phosphoric acid mixed with PTFE binder and silicon carbide particles. A cord of resin e.g. PTFE is inserted in the paste. In all forms the seal performs dry or when wetted by electrolyte.
The fuel call contains an acidic aq. electrolyte (II) at 40-200 deg.C.methyl-substd. hydrocarbons (I) is contacted with a Pd anode to form the corresp. aldehyde and carboxylic acid products. The oxidn. occurs at the methyl substit. of (I).    The electrogenerative current density is 0.5-20 milliamps per sq.cm. at a ranstive load of 1-150 ohms; the anodise potential is controlled at 0-0.55 V w.r.t. a saturated calomel electrode; and the molar electricity of (I) conversion is at least about 80%    (I) may be alkane, alkene or aromatic hydrocarbons; claimed embodiments comprise conversion of (A) ethane to acetaldehyde and acetic acid; (B) propylene to acrolein and acrylic acid; (C) toluene to benzaldehyde and benzoic acid; and (D) p-xylene to p-toluic acid and terephthalic acid. High current efficiencies are obtd. /3
Orthophosphoric acid is produced by burning yellow phosphorus in air or oxygen electrochemically in a fuel cell. The energy loss is minimal.    Pref. the phosphorus is burnt in a conventional type of cell consisting of 2 electrodes, electrolyte space and gas chamber. Pref. electrolyte is 25-85% wt. aq. orthophosphoric acid. Operating temps. depend upon the electrolyte and are between m.pt. and 250 deg.C. (pref. 50-150 deg.C.) so that cheap construction materials can be used and corrosion problems avoided. Air can be used at atmos. pressure. Using low temps. the electrodes can be chosen to have high catalytic activity; metal phosphides and their mixts. with metal amalgams are partic. suitable. Smaller quantities of hypophosphite and phosphite produced require oxidation, using e.g. Ti-Ru or lead oxide electrodes, the latter form lead phosphate and by using suitable positive potentials the lead oxide is regenerated. Process at 150 deg.C. has a reaction enthalpy of - 756 kJ/Mol and 6.8 MWh can be recovered as electrical energy per tonne phosphorus used.
Cell has graphite cell frame around the electrodes and has a layer of pyrographite on the frame, at least on the side towards the electrode, at the Br2 electrode and pref. also the H2 electrode. Pref. pyrographite layer is 20-30 microns thick. The Br2 electrode consists of carbon (graphite) and the H2 electrode of Pt-plated carbon.    Useful for storing energy, e.g. from regenerative sources (sun and wind). The Br2 electrode has high reversibility. The graphite frame is cheap but its porosity allows Br2 to diffuse out after a short operating period. The pyrographite layer completely prevents diffusion of Br2 and also HBr.
Device for operating an electrochemical generator using a negative electrode of Zn and an alkaline electrolyte changed with Zn salts is claimed in which the Zn electrode is of the dispersed electrode type and consists of a number of spherical particles having a core of material resistant to electrochemical attack, totally or partially coated with a conductive material, of density greater than that of the electrolyte.    The particles contact by sedimentation the upper negative surface of a flat, bipolar current collector when the fluid, consisting of particles and electrolyte, is not in circulation, and they are charged preferentially with Zn at the collector. The fluid can be put into circulation again and guided into a number of parallel, horizontal channels of rectangular cross-section, the lower surface of which forms the upper surface of the flat collector, and the upper surface forms a separator, porous to the electrolyte, opposing direct contact with the particles of the positive electrode. The side side surfaces of the channels are formed of an inert alkali resistant material.    The circulation of the fluid is effected intermittently during the discharging and recharging phases according to a periodic on/off cycle in which the off time is longer than the one time.    Recharging of the Zn electrode can be repeated a large number of times without the prior art problems due to Zn dendrite growth and without change of shape of the electrodes.
The thin plate has bulk density 1.55-1.75 g/cc, specific resistance 100-400. 10 power minus 5 ohm, bending strength 300-400 kg/sq.cm, Young's modulus 1500-1900 kg/sq.mm, and air permeability 10 power minus 5 to 10 power minus 3 cc/sec.    The plate is prepd. by adding a thermoplastic (e.g. phenolic) resin in the liq. state to finely divided graphite powder having particle size 100 microns or less that has been previously heat-treated at 2,700 deg. C or above, kneading the mixt. into a paste, moulding the paste into a thin plate, setting the plate and then heating it to carbonise the resin.    The plate can be used as an electrode and a separator for fuel cells and can be industrially and economically produced.
The combined energy source and energy reservoir comprises a flywheel (1) which is also an electrochemical cell or battery of cells. The flywheel-battery serves the electrical traction needs of the vehicle whilst also being adapted to conserve kinetic energy of the vehicle, when the vehicle is braked. The spinning motion of the flywheel-battery also aids the electrochemical action of the battery.    The battery is supplied through inlet/outlet (8) by fuel consisting of a slurry of metal particles in an electrolyte which acts in conjunction with air electrodes (5) on the surface of the flywheel-battery to produce the electrochemical effect.
The plate (18,20) of porous material esp. reticulated vitreous carbon has an impervious layer (37) e.g. carbon. Grooves (49) adjacent opposite edges (41) of the plate (18,20) extend through the plate to the layer (37). Each groove pref. contains polytetrafluoroethylene cord (50). Paste (51) surrounds the body and fills the groove to form a gas impervious seal (48) resistant to electrolyte.    The paste is pref. made by mixing small particle silicon carbide powder, polyethylene oxide and polytetrafluoroethylene, sintering the mixture, and mixing 105% phosphoric acid with it. The mixture may be formed into a thin layer before sintering. A bipolar assembly (36) has two plates arranged back-to-back separated by one impervious layer (37). Each plate has gas channels orthogonal to the channels in the other and the channels face outwardly.
Electrolyte is stored in metering cups or carbon-fibre sponges (96) on trays (92) coupled pref. by capillaries (16) to respective fuel cells (10) in a stack (50). Pref. a pump (102) circulates electrolyte from a well (98) to temporarily inundate the cups or sponges (96). Excess electrolyte returns to the well through holes (94) in the trays (92). Storage in separate cups or sponges reduces electric shunting of cells.    Each sponge (96) is higher than the respective cell and electrolyte flow by gravity under a predetermined hydrostatic pressure to a porous distribution layer (32). Pref. each capillary (16) contains fibres (78) e.g. of carbon pref. graphite. Pref. each capillary is a tube of plastic heat shrunk onto the fibres. Pref. the fibres (78) extend into and across the porous layer (32) to give wider distribution.
The system converts the energy of surface waves in sea water to mechanical energy by an apparatus comprising an elongated buoyant helical member mounted for rotation about an axis. The member is floated on the sea surface with its axis orientated substantially parallel to the approximate mean direction of propagation of the waves.    Each wave traverses the helix lengthwise and buoyantly supports successive sections of the member causing it to ratate about its axis and the pitch of the helical member can be matched to the length of the expected wave. The helix is coupled with rotary driven means to an electrical generator which converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of a DC current which is used to electrolyze sea water to produce H2 gas.    The invention allows the kinetic energy of surface waves, which is one of the largest sources of latent power in oceans, to be stored and readily distributed as potential energy in liquified or compressed H2. Thus remote regions which have regular and uninterrupted wave patterns can be used without having to construct energy distribution networks.
Battery comprises a series of fuel cells of the parent patent each including catholyte and anolyte feeds and lines conducting anolyte between anode compartments, the lines contg. ion filters to stop the movement of ions between the anode compartments.    The battery also pref. includes a catholyte regeneration system comprising an absorption tower in which spent catholyte is regenerated by oxidn. with air. The catholyte fuel is pref. HNO3 which is reduced by the fuel cell reaction and then re-oxidised with atmos. O2 in the regeneration system.    Parent patent 82-90316E/42 US4352864 claims the fuel cell.
A bypass is branched out of the line on the downstream side of the gas analyser and joins the discharge line of the fuel cell. Switching of stream line between the line connecting the transformer with the fuel cell and the bypass is carried out by a valve which undergoes make and break due to signals from the gas analyser.    (I) is designed to automatically break the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell when the concn. of catalyst poison in the electrode catalyst of the fuel cell (e.g. CO) increases.
Appts. (I) contains an air supply for the combustion system equipped with (1) a heater to heat air supply; (2) a bias system for the heater; (3) a control valve provided in at least one system of the heater system and the bias system of the heater; (4) temp. detector to detect temp. of the reforming device. A calculator calculates a deviation between a signal from the temp. detector and a target signal of the temp. in the reforming device. A controller to regulate the control valve depending on output from the calculator.    (I) is used to generate electricity by converting chemical reaction energy of fuel to electric energy.
System includes a reformer for reforming a fuel gas to produce a hydrogen-rich gas, a reformer burner for supplying heat to the reformer, a shift converter for converting carbon monoxide present in hydrogen-rich gas to carbon dioxide. The fuel cell receives a supply of an oxidising agent gas containing oxygen and the hydrogen-rich gas after the carbon monoxide conversion to obtain power generation. There is a system for supplying the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the cell to the reformer burner, and a system for supplying air to the reformer burner.    The fuel cell power generation system is provided with a flow control valve for supplying air to the reformer burner, and a temp. monitor is provided in the reformer. Means are provided to compute the deviation of the signal of the aimed value of the internal temp. of the reformer from a signal from the temp. monitor, and an adjuster receives the output from the calculation unit to adjust the flow control valve. The internal temp. of the reformer can be controlled by controlling the flow rate of air supplied to the reformer burner.    If the load is drastically decreased, deterioration of the catalyst in the reformer, or a reaction tube is avoided.
A cell has a laminate of two permeable layers, at least one being electrically insulating. One layer has large pores to hold electrolyte in an ion conducting path between the electrodes, while the second has small pores to draw electrolyte from the first layer and is adjacent an interaction surface of one electrode to supply electrolyte to it.    The insulating layer is pref. of silicon carbide particles bonded with PTFE, and the large and small pores are 50-300 and 1-10 microns in size. There may be a small pore layer on each side of the large-pore layer, with this connected to an electrolyte reservoir. The cell has gaseous oxygen and hydrogen as reactants with an acid electrolyte and a precious metal catalyst between layers of laminated electrodes.
The stack has a fluid impervious, conductive assembly (60) between two elements, pref. a gas distribution plate (18) and a cooling plate (21) or a current collector. The assembly consists pref. of a conductive porous carbon fibre paper layer (52), a perforate copper layer (53) and an intermediate layer (54) of subsequently hot-pressed resin. The resin (54) bonds the layers (52,53) to each other and to at least one of the elements and fills the space between the layers. The layers (52,53) provide bridging electrical contact between the elements. The resin is pref. polyethersulfone.    Pref. materials for the layer (52) are wet proofed carbon paper, vitreous carbon, moulded carbon plates or corrosion resistant foil such as gold. The layer (52) may be omitted and the resin bonds directly to an element, pref. a gas distribution plate.
A chemical cpd., opt. water, is photocatalytically dissociated by (a) contacting an aq. medium contg. the cpd. with a first electrode of n-type Fe oxide, pref. Si-doped, and a second electrode of p-type Fe oxide, pref. Mg doped; (b) providing an electrical connection between the electrodes insulated from the aq. medium; and (c) shining visible light onto both electrodes to induce an electric potential between them and through the soln., neutralising and liberating cations at the p-type electrode and anions at the n-type electrode.    A diode generating an electrical potential when irradiated with visible light consists of an n-type Fe oxide semiconductor electrically connected a p-type Fe oxide semiconductor. In one embodiment, an electrical potential and current are generated by irradiating the pn diode with visible light. In another the diode is contacted with water at pH 6-14 and exposed to visible light having an energy at least 2.2eV to generate an electrical potential dissociating water and evolving H2 at the p-type electrode and O2 at the n-type electrode.    A polycrystalline semiconductor sintered material generating an electrical potential when irradiated by light consists of Mg-doped Fe oxide.    The electrode/diode materials are simply prepd. and inexpensive, Photocatalytic cells can generate 6 x 10 power 16 molecules H2/hr for several hr. with photocurrent 8+-1 microA, before requiring regeneration by passing O2 through the soln. for 1-20 min.
An electrochemical power generator comprises stacked unit cells with interposed interconnectors, and uses an anode active material of mainly H2 gas and an oxidising gas as cathode active material.    Each unit cell comprises (a) a porous C plate anode (20) having an anode catalyst layer (24) on one surface and gas passage grooves (21) on its other surface having first ribs (22b) and wider second ribs (22a) formed between adjacent grooves; (b) a cathode (29) having a cathode catalyst layer (28) on one surface and a hydrophobic fluoropolymer resin powder on its other surface, and having catalyst dispersed in the substrate (27) from the boundary with the catalyst layer to a point inside the substrate; and (c) an electrolyte layer (26) between electrodes contacting the catalyst layers, prepd. by impregnating an acid electrolyte into heat- and chemical-resistant inorganic cpd. powder. The interconnectors (31) each consist of a high density C plate having gas passage grooves (30) on the surface contacting the cathode.    The cell structure provides optimum gas flow and good electrolyte retention, providing stable operation at high generating efficiency for long periods, e.g. internal resistance increasing only 0.01ohm/cm2 over 5000 hr. and voltage drop only 0-0.1V.c.
Electrodes having a Ru electrocatalyst for operation as a H2 consuming anode in alkaline or acid electrolytes are conditioned for use by connection of the electrode as cathode, e.g. at a cathodic current density if ImA/sq.cm, is an electrolyte e.g. KOH, for a time sufficient for the electrode potential to drop below the reversible H2 potential and for H2 to be evolved. Conditioning is esp. effected in situ in a cell where the electrode is to operate as a H2 consuming anode. Pref. the electrode is contacted with a H2 atmos. before or at the start of H3 evolution. The catalyst is opt. deposited is finely divided C by reduction of a Ru salt. Opt. the catalyst can contain up to 5 wt.% of other catalytic metals.    Conditioned electrodes may be esp. used in secondary metal H2 cells, e.g. Ni-H2 or Ag-H2, where H2 is evolved on charge, and consumed in discharge and there is a permanent H2 atmos., in the sealed cells; the cell performance has been found to be comparable on better than similar cells using Pt catalysed H2 electrodes. Electrodes can be used in prod. of NaOH from NaCl and Na2SO4 where H2 supplied to the anode produces HCl or H2SO4 instead of Cl2 or H2. They may also be used in alkaline fuel cells or in the electrowinning of Zn or Cu from acid electrolytes where considerable energy savings are obtd.
Method comprises (1) kneading (a) 100 pts. wt. carbonaceous powder of mesh size at most 100 with (b) 12-30 pts. wt. mixed resin contg. vinylphenol polymer and phenol resin initial condensate having epoxy group, (2) moulding mixt. by heat-pressure moulding into plate, (3) preliminarily heating at up to 200 deg.C., and (4) hardening by heating at 220-270 deg.C.    Chemical resistance, heat resistance, gas impermeability, etc. are improved.    In an example, 40 pts. wt. paravinylphenol polymer, and novolak type phenol resin initial condensate having epoxy group were dissolved in acetone. The resin solution (20 pts. wt.) was added to graphite powder (100 pts. wt.), which was kneaded at 90 deg.C. under 0.5 kg/cm2 for 2 hrs. The kneaded mixture was dried, filtered up to 80 mesh and moulded into plate. The plate was sliced into 8.0 mm. thickness, heated at 180 deg.C. for 24 hrs. and hardened at 250 deg.C.
Molten salt (NaCl/KCl/AlCl3) current source has a heated, scaled housing sepd. into two chambers by an ion-selective membrane. Specifically, the cathode is made of non-alloyed tol metal and the anode consists of a grid made of a conductive metal resistant to the melt and coated with a pyrite-contg. solid mixt.    The appts. is relatively corrosion-resistant and is operable at relatively low temps.
Porous carbon support material for a fuel cell electrode has elongated pores which extend from one side to the other and are parallel to one another and to the surface of the electrode. Pref. the pores are near a plane in the middle of the thickness of the support. They are circular in section with a dia. of 0.5-3.0 mm, min. 60% having a dia. of 10-100 microns. The material has an average bulk density of 0.3-1.0 g/cc and specific gas permeability of min. 20 ml/cm.h.mm WC. The material may also have a compact layer (opt. U-shaped graphite sheet) on one side or in the middle, which amounts to max. half the total thickness and pref. 0.1-3.0 mm.    The pores supply the H2 fuel gas and O2 or air to the fuel cell, so that no ribs are necessary. The material also has good mechanical strength.
System using a fused carbonate as the electrolyte has the stack of cells and their distributor plate enclosed in a pressure vessel which is connected to an inert gas source. The pressure of this gas is higher than the pressure of the fuel cell reaction gases supplied to the distributor. The seals of the distributor plates are not gastight (e.g. ceramic fibres) so that inert gas will leak through them into the stack.    Risk of leakage of reaction gases from the fuel cell stack, which would lead to combustible mixt. in the pressure vessel and to lower efficiencies is eliminated.
Each cell has a single consumable anode (20) in a fixed position and two cathodes (24) furged towards opposite faces of the anode at a constant, uniform force. The cathodes are automatically retractable, so the consumed anode remains can be removed from the housing and a new anode inserted between the cathodes.    More specifically, the cathodes are urged away from the anode by tension springs (40) to allow removal. Expandable bladders (42) are provided between a cathode and end wall of the housing, or between a pair of cathodes of adjacent unit cells, which may be inflated by an air supply or similar to urge the cathodes against the anode after anode replacement, for cell operation.    The anodes may be rapidly replaced when consumed, with use of one anode to two cathodes halving the number of anodes to be replaced, hence reducing time, and rapid cathode disengagement.
Process for prodn. of fuels by photoelectrolysis of water and photooxidation of water soluble biomass product, avoiding molecular oxygen evolution comprises (a) passing an aq. electrolyte comprising oxidisable biomass product selected from monosaccharides, polysaccharides, liguins, their partially oxidised products and their mixts., in contact with bath electrodes of each of a number of solid photochemical diodes of a type selected from Schottky metallised p- or n-doped semiconductors, appropriately doped p- or n-type semiconductors or their mixtures, the biomass product oxidising more cathodically than oxygen, and having a decompsn. potential more negative than the semiconductor; (b) optically illuminating the semiconducting portions of the diodes producing H2, and oxidised biomass product; (c) removing H2 from the electrolyte; and (d) separately removing the oxidised biomass from the electrolyte.    Molecular H2 and oxidised biomass, both of which are useful fuels, and produced simultaneously.
One of the conductive elements may comprise a hollow sphere (9) and the other conductive element a sphere (15) located centrally therein. Sphere (9) defines a resonant cavity and is provided with a lower water inlet (12) and an upper gas outlet (8). Sphere (9) is connected to the grounded negative side of the d.c. potential, whilst sphere (15) is connected to the positive side thereof. The d.c. voltage is pulsed at a repetition rate that has a frequency matching the wavelength of the resonant cavity.    The resultant gases may be ignited as they leave the outlet (8). As an alternative to the use of spheres, the conductive elements may comprise a pair of plates which may be planar or have corrugated surfaces. An axially slotted tube can also be used.    Enhanced separation of hydrogen and oxygen. Velocity of gases released is increased.
Process comprises treating sour gas, at below the m.pt. of sulphur, with an aq. soln. contg. as oxidant at least one polyvalent metal chelate of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). The treatment is carried out in the anode section of an electrochemical cell and the resulting soln. contains crystalline sulphur, H+ and reduced chelate.    The cell also includes a separate cathode section, connected through an external connection, and sepd. from the anode by a barrier permeable to H+. The reduced chelate is oxidised by supplying d.c. to the cell while H+ migrate to the cathode where they are converted to water by oxygen simultaneously supplied to the cathode. Sulphur is removed from the aq. soln. and water from the cathode section.    Regeneration of the reduced chelate electrochemically avoids ligand degradation problems associated with conventional oxidative regeneration. The method is applied e.g. to coal gasification streams, natural gas, refinery feedstocks etc. contg. 0.1-10 vol.% H2S.
Method comprises first contacting sour gaseous stream with aq. reaction soln. at below the m.pt. of S, the soln. contg. oxidising polyvalent metal chelate(s) of nitrilo-triacetic acid. This produces a sweet gas stream and an aq. mixt. contg. crystalline S, H ions and reduced polyvalent metal chelate(s) of nitrilo-triacetic acid. The reaction is in a zone comprising an electrochemical cell having cathode and anode sections sepd. on a H ion-permeable barrier and connected through an external load.    The reduced chelates are oxidised at the anode in the aq. reaction soln. while supplying oxygen to the cathode and allowing H ions to migrate to cathode section and producing DC through the load and water and the cathode S is removed from the aq. reaction soln. and water from the cathode section.    The chelate can be regenerated without degeneration of ligand.
Process comprises treating sour gas, at below the m.pt. of sulphur, with an aq. soln. contg. as oxidant at least one polyvalent metal chelate of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). The treatment is carried out in the anode section of an electrochemical cell and the resulting soln. contains crystalline sulphur, H+ and reduced chelate.    The cell also includes a separate cathode section, connected through an external connection, and sepd. from the anode by a barrier permeable to H+. The reduced chelate is oxidised by supplying d.c. to the cell while H+ migrate and form H2 at the cathode. Sulphur is removed from the aq. soln. and H2 from the cathode section.    Regeneration of the reduced chelate electrochemically avoids ligand degradation problems associated with conventional oxidative regeneration. The method is applied to e.g. coal, gasification streams, natural gas, refinery feedstocks, etc. contg. 0.1-10 vol.% H2S.
Process comprises treating sour gas, at below the m.pt. of sulphur, with an aq. soln. contg. as oxidant a polyvalent metal chelate of an acid Y2N.R.NY2 or their mixts.    (2-4 Y's are acetic or propionic acid gps., 0-2 are 2-hydroxyethyl 2-hydroxypropyl and CH2CH2NX2; X are acetic or propionic acid gps.; R is ethylene, (iso)propylene, 1,2-phenylene or 1,2-cyclohexylene). The treatment is carried out in the anode section of an electrochemical cell and the resulting soln. contains crystalline sulphur, H+ and reduced chelate.    The cell also includes a separate cathode section, connected through an external load, and sepd. from the anode by a barrier permeable to H+. The reduced chelate is reoxidised when oxygen is supplied to the cathode section and H+ migrate through the barrier, providing a direct current through the load. Water formed is removed from the cathode and sulphur from the aq. reaction soln.    Regeneration of the reduced chelate in a fuel cell avoids ligand degradation problems associated with conventional oxidative regeneration and the cell can provide useful work through the load. The method is applied to e.g. coal gasification streams, natural gas, refinery feedstocks, etc. contg. 0.1-10 vol.% H2S.
The device has radial panels of a circular tower funnelling wind through vents in the tower wall, creating an updraught inside. A blackened sheet metal of each panel absorbs solar radiation and a thermal insulating layer, which is transparent to light and ultra-violet, channels the heat to the exposed an wing at the tower surface. The locally heated air expands through the vents, adding to the updraught.    Combustion of refuse etc. on a grate of a furnace creates hot gases which rise through flue. This draws air into the bottom of the tower through a fixed wheel (7) whose vanes impart cyclonic motion. Gases may also be entered from external sources can enter through a pipe. A cone at the top of the tower deflects the gases through the air turbine which drives the electrical generator. A circular border on the underside of the turbine, dips into an annular water trough to form a peripheral seal. Electrical power is sent to an electrolytic cell (12) to generate hydrogen and oxygen for storage. A proportion of both gases can be burned in the burner to maintain the process when other sources are low.
The substrate consists of a ribbed layer (a) on one side of a non-ribbed layer (b) which has a higher density than layer (a). Layer (a) pref. has a density of 0.4-0.7 g/ccm., whereas the density of layer (b) is pref. 0.5-0.9 g/ccm. Layer (b) pref. has a thickness of 1/50th to 1/2 of the thickness of the substrate without the ribs.    The substrate pref. has a bend strength of min. 4.9 MPa (50 kg/ sq.cm), and a porosity of 50-80%, where min. 70% of the pores are open, and min. 60% of the pores in layer (a) are 5-50 microns in dia. In layer (b), min. 60% of the pores are 1-30 microns in dia.; and the average dia. of the pores in layer (a) is larger than the average dia. of the pores in layer (b).    By using a substrate consisting of two layers of different properties, the electrode has excellent operating characteristics in a fuel cell, e.g. good permeability to gases and low electrical resistance.
Cathode exhaust gas contg. H3PO4 and H2O is cooled in a heat exchanger to a preselected temp. between the condensation temps. of these components. The cooled gas is passed through an array of vertical plates to remove condensed droplets of H3PO4; inter-plate spacing is 0.5-6.35mm. Plates are wetted by, and resistant to, H3PO4; they have open porosity of 50-80%, with mean pore size of 12.7-127 micrometres.    Construction and operating conditions are selected to maximise contact between condensed acid in the gas stream and plate surface. Acid coalesces in the pores and moves under gravity through the pore system and exits from the bottom edge.    The spacing between the plates provides max. contact with the gas but with virtually no pressure drop, unlike systems with packed beds. Corrosive H3PO4 is removed from the gas stream and can be returned to the fuel cell.
Ionisable reducing and oxidising gases are introduced into an electrochemical cell by flowing them along the exposed edge (external to the cell electrolyte) of a catalytic electrode or barrier immersed in the cell electrolyte.    Method is useful for introducing ionisable reducing (e.g. hydrogen) and oxidising (e.g. oxygen or air) gases into metal recovery cells, fuel cells, chlor-alkali cells and other electrochemical cells employing gas-catalytic electrodes or barriers, and esp. in cells used for recovering hydrogen-reduced metals and ions (e.g. copper or noble metal) as described in US4331520. The gas feed system is simplified so that cells having an open structure with readily accessible electrodes or barriers can be used. In metal recovery processes, hydrogen red reduction and metal deposition occurs over the entire area of the electrode or barrier exposed to the electrolyte.
The reformer is operated so that the first section mainly bears a rapidly changing load at starting, stopping, etc., while the second section mainly bears a base load. Pref. a branch is provided for introducing part of the produced gas in the first section into the second for activating the latter.    A short time required for starting or stopping the reformer. The reformer is resistant to rapid changes or fluctuations.
The electrode is supported by a ribbed layer and a non-ribbed layer to form a composite porous material. The basic thickness of the non ribbed layer is less than that of the ribbed layer. The density of the ribbed material is between 0.5 and 0.8 g/(cubic cm). The ribbed layer, excluding the ribs, is between a quarter and five sixths of the supporting material, less the thickness of the ribs.    The composite supporting material has a bending resistance of not less than 4.90 MPa (50 kg (Squared cm) and a porosity between 50 and 80 percent. Not less than 70 percent of the pores are open pores and not less than 60 per cent have a diameter between 5 and 50 microns.
A solar panel (1) is installed in a suitable site, and carries a large number of silicon solar cells (2) which are exposed to the incident sunlight. The electric current produced by the solar cells passes along wires (3,4) to an electrolysis appts. (5) where water is electrolysed to make hydrogen and exygen.S The hydrogen and oxygen pass along pipes (6,7) from the electrolysis appts. to separate storage tanks (8,9). Further pipes (10,11) take the gases to a burner (12) in a boiler (13) with a water heating coil (14). Water vapour formed by the combustion of the hydrogen and oxygen condenses on this coil and collects in the bottom of the boiler. The water is then pumped (15,16) back to the electrolysis appts.
Process involves bringing an acid obtd. from a nonmetal oxide (I) or a mixt. of halogen and water to high pressure, heating using an external heat supply and reacting with a carbonaceous fuel at high temp., expanding the resultant mixt. of (I), steam and CO2 in a heat engine to recover mechanical and/or electrical energy, then sepg. the CO2 and producing the starting material (acid or halogen) and H2 from the remaining gas by conventional thermal and/or electrolytic reaction stages.    Pref. (I) is SO2 and the acid is H2SO4 with a concn. of 20-99 wt.%. The halogen is pref. Br2 or Cl2. The acid or halogen/water mixt. is compressed to min. 3 bar, heated with the waste heat from a high temp. (nuclear) reactor and reacted with the fuel at min. 400 deg.C. H2 and electric current can be generated simultaneously with relatively high efficiency and defendable prod. costs.
Energy for producing O2 and H2 by electrolysis of water in a container is derived from a battery of solar cells. Gas evolved at each electrode is fed to a two-compartment storage tank through separate routes each including a piston and cylinder compressor unit controlled by valves. Both gases are transferred from the tank to a mixer for supply to a burner.    Electrical controls coupled with the solar battery respond to a pressure gauge in the tank and actuate a solenoid to control movements of the pistons in order to maintain constant gas pressure. Current from the solar battery also charges an accumulator supplying power for control units.    Appts. is independent of mains electricity and can continue to supply power for a period in the absence of solar radiation.
The reaction furnace comprises: a number of reaction tubes (2) arranged in a plane in the furnace body (1) and each having two fins (3) arranged parallel to the inside wall of the body; heating elements (4) of a perforated ceramic board arranged on both sides of the reaction tubes and having a combustion catalyst supported on the surface; and combustible mixt. chambers (5) formed between the ceramic boards and the inside walls of the furnace body.    A reaction gas is supplied into the reaction tube through a header (7). Fuel gas and combustion air are supplied to the combustible mixt. chambers, and the combustible mixt. burns in contact with the catalyst supported by the heating elements to heat them.
The fuel cell anode is based on the design of multi-component disordered materials having tailor-made local structural environments. The anodes have a high density of active sites, resistance to poisoning, and long operating life, providing efficient, low cost, electrochemical fuel cell operation. Unlike the specific and rigid structure of crystalline materials, the disordered materials are ideally suited to manipulation since they are not constrained by the symmetry of a crystalline latice or by stoichometry.    In the disordered materials, it is possible to attain unusual electronic configurations resulting from nearest neighbour interactions between lone pairs, microvoids, dangling bonds, and unfilled or vacant orbitals. These interact with the modifier elements incorporated in the host matrix.
The generator which relies at least partly on anodic corrosion for prodn. of H2 has a consumable anodic material of high surface area: vol ratio e.g. at least 2, a cathodic material adjacent to the anode surface and aq. electrolyte between anode and cathode. The stoichiometric ratio of anodic material to H2O in the electrolyte H2O is low. The generator esp. has a replaceable cartridge with a container (68) holding an anode (62), electrolyte (72) and a cathode sheet as mesh (64). A base (63) e.g. of polyethylene and a spacer (65) e.g. of PVC, hold the container, anode and cathode in place.    The spacer (65) has holes for the H2 prod. to rise to the top of the cartridge for removal via a hose (71). Container wall (68) may replace the mesh or sheet (64) as cathode. The generator has a circuit to allow passage of current between anode, cathode and electrolyte and the H2 prodn. rate is regulated by a control in the circuit to operate current flow. The generator esp. has a drum with a plurality of cartridges.    H2 prod. is esp. fed to a fuel cell used in a power generating system. The generator is compact, demand responsive and has high energy density. The control system regulates operation in response to the output of a H2 consuming device. A cartridge generator has high generation rates, efficient utilisation of reactants and fast response time.
The host matrix comprises at least one transition metal, incorporating an element(s) which modifies the local structural chemical environments of the material to provide the disorder, and creates an increased density of catalytically active sites for the O2 redn. reaction.    The material pref. includes a number of elements providing the large number of catalytically active sites; and/or sites for selectively inactivating poisonous species. The hose matrix pref. includes Co, Mn and/or Ni, and the modifier element is pref. Co, Mn, Ni, La, C, K, Cs, Na, Li, O, Al (e.g. compsn. Mn77.5Co14. 2Ni8.3; Co67.1La13.6C3.9015.4).    A fuel cell comprises a cathode(s) as above; an anode capable of H2 oxidn. spaced from the cathode; and an electrolyte contacting anode and cathode; all contained in a casing.    The cathodes are inexpensive, resistant to poisoning, have long operating life and provide performance approaching that of expensive degradeable Pt.
A stack of superposed fuel cells is provided between two support end plates (12,13) and resilient members (18,18') engage the end plates to impose a force urging them towards each other, thus holding the fuel cells together under a predetermined compressive loading. The resilient members are located between the planes of the end plates, so their height is not greater than the combined height of cell stack and end plates. The resilient members pref. include stops to adjust the force imposed on the end plates. Each fuel cell pref. comprises an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte between them.    Good contact is maintained in the stack, even when cells compress during use. The height and weight of the stack are less than conventional stack arrangements.
The fuel electrode and oxidiser electrode of a fuel cell utilizing electrochemical reaction to provide electrical energy are separated by an organic high molecular weight electrolyte that will dissociate in the presence of water. Typically at least part of the fuel or oxidizer component of the cell is liquid (and pref. contains water) when the cell is operating. Pref. the electrolyte is a high mol.wt. polymer, e.g. polystyrene, polyethylene, methacrylate polymers, or styrene/butadiene and styrene/divinylbenzene copolymers, substd. by strong acid e.g. sulphonic acid gps., or basic e.g. amino or quaternary ammonium gps. such as -CH2N(CH3)3Cl or -CH2N(CH2CH2OH)(CH3)2Cl, and contains water in which it is partly dissolved; typically it is in the form of a paste contg. water and an inactive thickening agent, e.g. an inorganic powder having a high specific resistance.    Leakage of the electrolyte from the electrolyte chamber is prevented so that an electrical short-circuit between anode and cathode can be avoided. The cell does not employ the highly corrosive electrolytes typifying the prior art.
Water is decomposed by locking a pair of electrodes on opposite sides of the exterior of a liquid-receiving space in a solid dielectric container which can withstand voltages greater than 20 kV, filling the space with water and applying a continuous voltage above 20 kV so that the water is decomposed continuously by collision ionisation. The H2 and O2 are collected and the space continuously topped up to maintain the water level.    The container is pref. of ceramic and the electrical field is of 20-60 kV/mm, partic. above 50 kV/mm.
Catalytically active, cathode material for H2 prodn. is mfd. from at least one transition metal, pref. Ni, Mo, or Co, as the host matrix and incorporates 1 or more modifier elements, at least 1 of which is a transition metal, to impart compositional and structural disorders. Modifiers include Ti, Mo, Sr, La, Ce, O and Co, and may also include Al or Zn as a leachable element, subsequently partially removed. Mfr. is by vacuum deposition, pref. on to a substrate, to form an amorphous, microcrystalline or polycrystalline structure or any mixt.    H2 overvoltage redn. up to 210 mV is obtd. w.r.t. mild steel cathodes at 1KA/sq.m. current density. The material is mechanically stable and cheaper and more resistant to poisoning than noble metal compsns. Commercial mfr. of H2 at higher current density than with mild steel is economic.
Thermal treatment of semiconductor powders at pressures of 100 to 10 exp. 6 (1000 to 2 x 10 exp. 5) Pa, esp. normal pressure, is carried out (a) at the b.pt. of Cd at the pressure employed +- 100 deg.C for CdS, CdSe, CdTe, CdS(1-x)Sex, CdS(1-x)Tex, CdSe(1-x)Tex, Cd(1-x)ZnxS, Cd(1-y)Ag2yS or Cd(1-y)CuyS in the presence of H2S, H2Se, H2Te and/or CS2, opt. mixed with inert gases and/or up to 50 vol.% O2 or in the presence of a mixt. of inert gases and up to 50 vol.% O2; or (b) at the b.pt. of Zn at the pressure employed +- 150 deg.C for ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnS(1-x)Sex, ZnS(1-x)Tex, ZnSe(1-x)Tex, Zn(1-y)Ag2yS or Zn(1-6)CuyS in the presence of H2S, H2Se, HsTe and/or CS2, opt. mixed with inert gases or up to 50 vol.% O2. In the formulae, x= 0.01-0.99 (0.01-0.4) and y= 0.0001-0.20 (0.001-0.2).    The treated powder has improved photoredox properties and is suitable for use in photodiodes, synthetic photogalvanic or photoelectrolytic cells or for the prodn. of H2 by heterogeneous photoredox catalysis.
Appts. includes a casing with a removable top. A chamber assembly is mounted inside the casing with electrodes mounted in it. The electrodes are positioned such that their side surfaces form narrowing channels. They also have smoothly varying vertical dimensions such that the channels become deeper as they narrow. Ribs are fixed to the electrodes and project into the channels. Appts. is placed at an angle to the horizontal such that the broader ends of the channels are elevated w.r.t the narrower ends. Water flows through the channels in a turbulent fashion.    Appts makes the flow of the electrolyte more turbulent which facilitates oxygen-hydrogen gas generation. Also, it may use salt water as an electrolyte and may use wasted heat energy or solar energy to facilitate gas generation.
The device is for leak testing vessels such as fuel cells or tanks which are large enough for a person to move around within holding a small hand held ball or balloon type device which is provided with a large aperture. In leak testing a vessel, the aperture portion of the device is pressed against the inside wall of the vessel with sufficient pressure to form an airtight seal between the inside of the device and the wall.    While maintaining the airtight seal, the device is moved over the full inside surface of the cell. If there is a hole in the cell, the device which is very compliant will tend to collapse as it passes over the hole due to a resilient pressure drop created by the hole allowing the air to escape from the device to the atmosphere.
The thermo-rechargeable electrolytic cell has two redox systems Cr(2+) to Cr(3+) and Sn to Sn(2+). It has two electrolytic circuits and two distinct electrolysis cells one operating above and the other below the inversion temp. of the electrode potentials. The electrodes are in the form of tinned microballs circulating in one of the electrolytic circuits. The system contains also two heat exchangers, one to raise the temp. of one of the electrolytic cells above the inversion temp. and the other to lower the temp. of the other cell below the inversion temp.    Used for electrochemical generators. The thermo-rechargeable cell transfers heat energy to electrical energy with an efficiency which makes it economically attractive.
A variable voltage source connected to terminals of an assembly (54) of gas generating electrolytic cells, incorporates a current regulator to achieve a desired rate of gas generation. The current regulator includes (a) a series transistor (55) operated in variable resistance, current limiting mode; and pref. (b) a densing resistor (56); and (c) an error amplifier (57); and pref. includes a rectifier (52) having positive and negative terminals connected in series with the current limiter across the gas generator.    The gas generator assembly comprises (i) a housing (ii) contg. a number of cell chambers, each having inlet and outlet port; (ii) electrode plates sepg. adjacent cells; (iii) a gas-electrolyte sepn. tank having inlet and outlet ports connected to chamber outlets and inlets respectively, and a second outlet port above the electrolyte surface discharging generated gas.    The generator is useful for prodn. of oxygen and hydrogen; oxy-hydrogen for welding torches and similarly generated gases. Cell current is controlled so gas generation rate is not affected by variations in line voltage or cell temp. The control appts. is lighter less bulky and cheaper than conventional.
The member comprises (i) an extended metal plate; (ii) a porous support layer of an electrophoretically-deposited ceramic, esp. lithium aluminate; and (iii) a catalyst material dispersed in (ii), pref. Ni added by impregnation with a Ni salt.    The metal plate may be corrugated, the support material being applied to the lower surface of the crest regions (through which the process gas flows), and excluded from the lower surface of the valley regions (to give good electrical contact with other parts of the fuel cell).    Retention of catalyst material is increased, giving increased reforming activity. The member is stable in the fuel cell environment. The thickness of layer (ii) with (iii) can be as low as 10-100 mils.
The system includes a fuel cell stack having a number of fuel cells each having a passage with input and output ports for conveying a process gas, and a second passage for conveying a second gas. The two passages are disposed in opposition to support countercurrent flow of the two gases.    A manifold is provided internal of the fuel cells and is common to the first passages. Third passages may be provided for conveying a cooling gas through the srack.    The first and second passages extend in opposite directions, the third passage being transverse and orthogonal of the first two. The stack is enclosed in a containment vessel.
Each cell has a membrane between two bipolar separator plates forming anode and cathode chambers. The anode and cathode electrodes are plates with binder particles, allowing gas and liquid to pass through. The membrane allows ions to pass through, and fuel gas from the anode chamber, also an oxidising gas from the cathode chamber can pass through. Incorporated in the bottom of the separator plate is a valve which allows water generated to return from the cathode to the anode.    This valve allows gas to pass through only above a selected pressure. The fluid flow is guided by channels which assist separation from the gases. The valve has two spaced apart water pervious and gas impervious elements, having a porous hydrophilic structure.
Spent solid sorbents used for removing H2S from fuel gases, esp. transition metal or rare earth metal oxides or carbonates which have been converted to sulphide in use, are regenerated with a steam-air mixt. to regenerate the oxide (or with a steam-air-CO2 mixt. to regenerate the carbonate) at a temp. above 500 deg.C.    The examplified sorbent is ZnO: other possible sorbents include CuO and alkaline earth metal carbonates. Regeneration is pref. effected at 650-750 deg.C. using a mixt. of 5-99% steam, 1-15% O2 and 0.94% N2 or CO2 (by vol.).    The process is esp. applicable to sorbents used for purifying fuel gases (e.g. natural gas or producer gas= prior to use in fuel cells. Regeneration is achieved without excessive exothermic temp. rise, sintering or sulphate formation.
Bipolar cooling plate for a fuel cell used in forming a fuel cell stack has surface channels extending between opposite edges. At least one edge of the channels terminates short of the edge of the plate defining a recess for receiving a fastener.    Pref. both ends of the channel terminate short of the edges of the plate to define two rece for receiving removable fasteners. The recesses are pref. formed in stair-step configuration and the channels comprise U-shaped grooves, permitting reactant gases to pass through the channels with the fastener in place.    Design permits temporary compression of a short cell stack for pre-testing prior to final assembly. Deficient cells may thus be detected and removed prior to final assembly, so eliminating cumbersome disassembly of the final stack.
Fuel cell, comprising a housing contg. a catalytic fuel electrode, a catalytic oxidant electrode and an electrolyte, is operated by supplying an electrolyte contg hydrogen azide to the fuel electrode and O2-contg. gas to the oxidant electrode. The cell provides a powerful electric current for e.g. electric cars, space vehicles, homes, with 5V attainable at room temp. and higher voltages theoretically possible.    An exemplary cell has an electrolyte soln. contg. not more than 30 wt.% hydrogen azide, e.g. o.2 mole Na azide dissolved in 500 ml water mixed with 500 ml 0.1M H2SO4, forming HN3 in aq. NaSO4. Electrodes are porous C or graphite impregnated with Pt catalyst. Oxidant gas is air. The overall cell reaction is 4HN3+O2=2H2O + 6N2, em. e.m.f. 5V, with N2 gas vented to the atmos.
The fuel cell has a hydrolized ion-exchange membrane with an anode and cathode electrode on either side and in intimate contact with the membrane. Combustible gas, hydrogen, is fed to the anode side and an oxidising gas to the cathode. Bipolar separators are placed between membrane assemblies, with a porous foil on the cathode side.    The bipolar separators have areas which contact the electrodes on neighbouring cells. The separators also contain cavities for gas and water movement. The separators and the porous foil are designed such that drying out of the anode side is prevented, and that effective cooling of the fuel cell is ensured. The bipolar separator allows the cell to work at higher current density and power output than earlier fuel cells.
In a system in which hot gases are recirculated along a duct, a blower is provided in the duct for drawing prim. gas along the duct. A sec. gas is flowed about a motor which drives the blower propeller and is at a lower temp. than the prim. gas. The gases are sepd. from one another to preclude heat transfer between the motor and the prim. gas.    Used for maintaining motors at low operating temps. during recirculation of hot gases in fuel cell operations and chemical processes, such as fluidised bed coal gasification.    The motor operates at a cooler temp. which increases its useful lifetime in high temp. environments.
A fuel cell comprises (A) a cell chamber enclosing a body of aq. electrolyte; (B) an inlet connected to (A); (C) a gas-permeable, ion-permeable tubular electrode formed of fine filamentary synthetic resin hollow fibre with ion exchange functionality situated within the chamber, the electrode (C) having a gas inlet end and a gas outlet end, a gas-permeable layer of catalytic metal deposited on the inside surface, and a high surface area first current collector in contact with the catalytic deposit; (D) a second current collector situated within the chamber so as to be immersed in the electrolyte, when present; (E) means for supplying a flow of gaseous oxidant to the gas inlet end; (F) a source of water-soluble electrochemically active liq. fuel; (G) means connecting the source (F) to the inlet (B) so that the liq. fuel and electrolyte form a liq. anode for oxidising the fuel at the second current collector so as to develop an electrochemical potential between the first and second current collectors, and (H) means connected to the first and second current collectors for extracting electrical energy from the cell.    Cell allows power to be generated using a liq. fuel feed which does not need the pressure tanks and associated equipment necessary when using fuel gases such as hydrogen.
Separator for fuel cells comprises a porous polytetrafluoroethylene film or a carbon powder-contg. porous polytetrafluoroethylene film secured to the oxidising agent gas supply side of a solid high molecular electrolyte film that comprises an ion exchange film on both surfaces of which are secured a metal of a Pt metal or a carbon powder-contg. metal of Pt metal. The ion exchange film is obtd. by graft polymerisation of a fluorovinyl sulphonic acid monomer on a high molecular substrate in the form of a film that is produced by polymerising one or more monomers (e.g. ethylene, propylene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, and vinyl fluoride, etc.) of formula (I); in which X and Y each represent H, CH3, Cl or F.    The fluorovinyl sulphonic acid monomer is pref.: CF2=CF-O-CF2-CF(CF3) -OCF2CF2-SO2F.    The separator for fuel cells comprises an inexpensive and durable ion exchange film, in which the catalytic activity is not lowered by water produced on the oxidising agent supplying side.
Biogas is produced by the fermentation of organic matter with waste material, specially from agricultural establishments, in several stages, converting it to methane. A gas with a carbon content, preferably CO2, is suitably conditioned and is introduced directly to the methane fermentation. Other organic waste materials are added in the prefermentation stages, e.g. the solids in the first and the liquids in the second stage.    ADVANTAGE -   This requires fewer fermenters and results in a higher methane yield. (First major equivalent to AT8004711-A)