An anhydrous primary battery comprises an anode, an inorganic liq. electrolyte of electrolyte salt in oxyhalide or thiohalide solvent, and a cathode of pure (i.e. free of deleterious amts. objectionable impurities, e.g. catalyst residues from synthesis, but opt contg. intentionally added dopants) polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyparaphenylene, polyaraphenylene sulphide or their derivs.    ADVANTAGE -   The cathode provides better cell performance than PTFE bonded C, e.g. specific capacity/unit wt. is more than 4 times as high at 10mA/cm2, 3 times at 50mA/cm2 and 7 times at 75mA/cm2.
Valve for venting a rechargeable electrochemical cell to atmos. has a cavity between inner base (8) and outer cover (10) plates and communicating with atmos., the base plate having a through orifice (26) surrounded by two successive sealing seats (28,30). A seal member (32) in the cavity adjacent the base plate is movable from abutment with the seats to a flow permitting position against resilient biasing holding it in the closed position.    The biasing is pref. a spring (40) which acts on the member at a radial location between the seats, the spring other end engaging the cover plate. The seats pref. protrude from the base plate and the member is compressed more against the inner than the outer seat.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for nickel-cadmium cell, providing reliable resealing after venting excessively high internal pressure, and can be assembled at high rates without adversely affecting operation.
(JP93066718-B)      Alkali-Zn storage cell comprises Zn electrodes facing positive electrodes through separators. A regenerated cellulose film is formed on a central area of the Zn electrode surface.    USE -   For Ni-Zn storage cells. (J60225373-A)
Electrode is mfd. by compounding 10-40 pts.wt. fluorinated carbon to a mixt. contg. 40-50 pts.wt. high density polyethylene, 15-40 pts.wt. carbon black, and 0-25 pts.wt. graphite.    High density polyethylene has 0.95 g/cm3 density; Carbon black has 900 m2/g surface area such as "Ketjen Black (RTM)"; Graphite has 10 micron average particle size, or ca.14.5 micron average fibre dia. and ca. 3mm fibre length. Fluorinated carbon is about 1 micron particle size.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode material of thin thickness has high corrosion resistance to halogen, HCl, HBr, H2SO4 or other acidic chemicals reducing permeation of halogen into the electrode material. The releasability of the material from a mould is improved. Therefore, the material is suited to a material for electrode plate of such as Zn-halogen battery because of its efficiency per vol. and wt. per unit charge/discharge energy.
(JP92027672-B)      Separator comprises a plate made by sheeting a slurry of alkali silicate-contg. glass fibres of 0.5-1 microns (60-90 wt.%) alkali silicate-contg. glass fibres of 10-20 microns (8-35 wt.%), acryl fibres and/or polyester fibres (2-7 wt.%) and polyvinyl alcohol fibres.    Used for making lead batteries. (J60225352-A)
(JP92058146-B)      Cell comprises a casing contg. a generating element. The casing has an inner face adhesive layer comprising thermally meltable resin layers and polyester film inserted between the resin layers.    Used for flat type batteries. (J60221952-A)
Prepn. comprises (a) forming thin layer contg. Ziegler-Natta catalyst on a desired place in a closed vessel, (b) preparing polyacetylene membrane on the thin layer (a), by feeding acetylene gas to the vessel, (c) forming thin layer (thinner than layer (a)) contg. Ziegler-Natta catalyst on the membrane (b), and (d) preparing polyacetylene membrane on the layer (c), by feeding acetylene gas in the vessel. The same procedure (i.e. forming layer and preparing membrane) can be repeated, and thicker membrane can be obtd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyacetylene thick membrane (i.e. more than 150 microns) is obtd. The membrane has superior electroconductivity. Used as electrode material of sec. cell.
Electrode material is a carbonaceous material (I) obtd. by pyrolysing an organic cpd. (II) capable of forming the graphite structure. (I) has a pseudo-graphite structure such that the spacing of (002) planes, d002, is at least 3.37 angstroms and the crystallite size in the direction of the c axis, Lc, is not more than 220 angstroms (X-ray wide-angle diffractiometry), and the line width delta Hpp between peaks in the 1st differential of the absorption spectrum of the ESR is at least 10 gauss.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode material is capable of providing a stable sec. battery that produces high emf and which has high energh density. The material is thus useful in lightweight, and non-polluting electrochemical cells.
Isothianaphthene polymers of formula (Ia) and/or (Ib): R1 and R2 each are H or 1-5C hydrocarbon or together form, with the benzene ring to which they are attached, naphthalene; X is sulphur, selenium or tellurium; Y is an electrolyte anion; z is a number of 0.01-1, the ratio of anion per mol. of a monomer; and n is 5-500, deg. of polymerisation. (2) Prepn. of poly(isothianaphthene) comprising: (a) electrochemical polymerisation of a isothianaphthene cpd. of general formula (IV), R1, R2 and X are as in (1), in the presence of nucleophilic anions; (b) chemical polymerisation of isothianaphthene or dihydroisothianaphthene-S-oxide in the presence of cationic polymerisation catalysts; or (c) dehydrogenation of poly(dihydroisothianaphthene).    (3) A high mol. wt. conductive membrane useful as an electrochromic layer comprising a polymer capable of being reversibly oxidised and reduced which is an isothianaphthene polymer of formula (III): R1 and R2 are H or 1-5C hydrocarbon; z is 0-0.40, the ratio of anion per isothianaphthene unit; and X, Y- and n are as in (1).    USE -   The polymers are useful in electrochromic materials and in solar energy conversion devices.
Two electrically conductive parts of an electrochemical cell are sealed together and electrically insulated from each other by (a) forming an Al2O3 layer (98) on a surface of one of the parts; and (b) adhering the parts together with organic polymer adhesive (100). The cell, having electrically conductive parts sealed together by an organic polymer adhesive but electrically insulated from each other by a layer of Al2O3 formed on a surface of one of the parts, and a battery of such cells are also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The seal is esp. useful for thin cells, e.g. Li-MnO2 cells. Little vol. and thickness is required for nonmetal portions of the seal, e.g. Al2O3 layer 10 microns thick, adhesive less than 20 microns. Thermal coeffts. can be closely matched, for good hermeticity over a wide temp. range, and rapid heat transfer allowing use with volatile liqs. The pref. adhesive may be precoated onto the parts, facilitating mass prodn.
Electrode material for electrochemical stores or batteries consists of poly(2,5-furandiylvinylene) (IA) or poly(2,5-pyrroldiylvinylene) (IB) of formula (I): x = O or NH; n = 10 to 1000; doped with a dopant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) have good mechanical and processing properties. The conductivity is in the 10-2 to 10+1 S/cm range, making (I) suitable for the stated purpose. (I) are prepd. by reacting heterocycles contg. clloromethyl or carbaldehyde gps. with tripheryl-phosphine (II) and then with Li or Na (m)ethylate in DMF.
Electrode comprises (a) a solid body (16) of reactive metal consumable by reaction with a liq. electrolyte that contacts at least one surface (20) of the body during cell operation; and (b) a fibrous network (26) of electrically insulating reinforcing material (partly) embedded in the body, with (part of) the network proximate the surface so it contacts the electrolyte as metal is consumed at the surface.    The network extends through the body and from its surface, or is (initially) contained entirely within the body. The fibrous network consists of discrete fibres (30), pref. as bundles of fibres. The fibres are of ceramic material or synthetic polymers, pref. an aromatic polyamide. Alternatively, the fibrous network is reticulated foam. The foam is a resilient compressible material, pref. synthetic polymer esp. polyurethane; or a rigid form comprising a three dimensional screen, pref. a rigid synthetic polymer, esp. rigid polypropylene or a metal, esp. coated with electrically insulating material.    ADVANTAGE -   The exposed fibrous material promotes turbulence at the electrode surface, resulting in a higher reaction rate, e.g. increasing the time of a full power discharge from 6.5 to 7.7 min.. The fibrous network also strengthens the electrode, allowing possible thickness redn., and may provide inter electrode sepn. to prevent bypass of the electrode surface by the electrolyte as the electrode is consumed.
A mixt. of fluidic asphalt with oil is coated on the terminals and the terminals are enclosed with injected resin into mould to seal the cell at the terminals. (J52145731-A)
Plastic fibre synthetic papers are coiled to form tubular separator. One end opening of the separator is inward deformed by a die to form a closed end with a jig rod. (J54140937-A)
Polymers are prepd. by electrolytically oxidatively polymerising aminochrysenes, aminofluoranthenes, aminophenanthrenes, naphthylamines, 2-aminobenzoimidazole or 2-aminobenzothiazole in solvents.    Polymerisation liq. is prepd. by dissolving the above monomer and support electrolyte in solvent. Addn. of amines, e.g., methylamine, quinoline in the same molar wt. as that of the monomer produces polymer films having excellent surface smoothness and homogeneity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polymers show various electrical activities and are used as electrodes for batteries.
The double or triple bonds comprises C, N, O, S etc. The conductive film is prepd. by mixing a mixt. of monomers having a hydrophilic radical at one end and a hydrophobic radical at the other end and one or more intramolecular acetyloxy gps. forming an accumulated film on a substrate and polymerising the accumulated film with a radiation (ultraviolet, x-rays or gamma rays).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Film has high conductivity in the normal direction and allows larger films to be made compared with conventional vapour deposition method. Film is cheap and useful as high-molecular materials for solar cells, photosensitive copying papers, etc.
Composite material based on lead or lead alloy is porous, and the intercommunicating cavities are filled with a resin which is solid at ambient temp.. The lead alloy pref. contains Ag and/or Ca in resp. amounts of 0.7-1% and 0.1-1%.    The resin is a thermoplastic resin insoluble in acids or alkalis, which has a resistance to creep at least equal to that of the Pb(alloy). The pref. resin is epoxy, esp. Araldite (RTM).    USE -   The material is for use in mfr. of anodes for electrolytic cells operating in acid or alkaline soln., esp. for extraction of non-ferrous metals. The material can also be used as battery electrodes and as acoustic insulation material.
(JP2594027-B2)      Battery comprises an organic polymer electrode consisting of organic polymer formed directly on inner side of armour case (1,2) acting as external terminal of the electrode.    USE -   The battery uses organic polymers, e.g. polyacetylene and polyphenylene, as the electrode material.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is lightweight. Pressure/breakdown voltage is prevented using the armour case.
A process for prepn. of porous C plates is claimed comprising: (a) forming a sheet from a mixt. of 65-90 (pref. 75-90) pts. wt. C fibre-forming organic fibre and 10-35 (pref. 10-25) pts. wt. pulp according to a paper making method; (b) impregnating this sheet with a soln. of an organic polymer, pref. in an amt. of 20-200 wt.% polymer, based on wt. of sheet; (c) oxidising this impregnated sheet, pref. at a temp. of 150-350 deg. carbonising and (d) C in air this infusibilised sheet a a temp. of at least 800 deg. C in an inert gas atmos. Opt. the sheet can also incorporate a strengthening agent. Opt. the impregnated sheet, or opt. a number of sheets laminated together, are heat-pressed to effect moulding and curing and then oxidised. This heat pressing is pref. carried out at a temp. of 150-220 deg. C for 1-60 min.    ADVANTAGE -   The plates have excellent chemical resistance, electric conductivity and strength.
A sealed rechargeable Ni-Zn cell comprises (a) a sealed housing defining a cell space; contg. (b) an electrochemical cell element held under compression, comprising a wound roll of (i) a Zn electrode having an active mass of ZnO admixed with Cd metal and free of Zn metal, and a current collector; (ii) an Ni electrode; and (iii) a microporous separator, free of coating material, between the electrodes; (c) a predetermined amt. of alkaline electrolyte; and (d) an H2 recombination catalyst for oxidising H2 evolved in service to maintain a satisfactory low internal press. in the cell; and (e) positive and negative terminals electrically connected to the Ni and Zn electrodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is useful for portable electrical equipment, e.g. tape and video recorders, power tools, calculators, etc. It has an improved cycle life and better electrical performance than previous Zn-Ni cells, including high current capability, tolerance to overcharge, the ability to stand undisturbed without undue internal press. build-up and min. Zn passivation. It has a simple construction and is economically mfd.
Prodn. of carbonaceous material by (1) shaping of a mixt. comprising carbon powder, carbon fibre and binder and (2) carbonisation of the shaped body by burning.    As carbon powder, lumpish graphite, artificial graphite, scaly graphite and coke are employable in the form of single material or in the form of mixt. Carbon fibre is made of rayon or pitch and has 5-10 microns of dia. and 3-20 mm of length. It is employed in amt. of 3-15 wt.% on carbon powder. Bituminous materials such as tar, pitch, phenol resin, epoxy resin and furan resin are useful. Usually, shaped body made of a mixt. comprising 70 pts. wt. of graphite, 6-12 pts. wt. of carbon fibre and 30 pts. wt. of binder is burnt at 1000-1200 deg. C in the inert atmos. and carbonised.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Carbonaceous prod. (esp. rod-like carbonaceous prod. such as carbon rod for dry cell) having high strength and high impermeability against electrolyte is produced without causing the formation of cracks.
Dense anode consists of a compact metal sheet alloyed with an alkali metal is claimed which exhibits a rechargeability extending to at least 20 cycles the thickness varying from 5-100 microns. The metal sheet is Al, Mg or Sn, allied with Li and is mounted on a collector which is inert with respect to the alloy.    Specifically the collector may be a copper (alloy) sheet or a metallised plastics sheet, or a metal grid. The alkali metal fills the interstices present in the metal sheet before the alloy is formed. The Al sheet contains 0-76 atomic % lithium. The Mg sheet includes 50-80% Li.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The anode is used in solid state Li failed batteries. The anode does not suffer from the defects of prior art anodes viz. that of thermodynamic instability seriously limiting the life of the anodes.
A low-maintenance lead accumulator has a negative electrode active material contg. a highly polymerised, post-condensed and partially desulphonated lignin sulphonate, pref. having a molecular wt. of 30000-70000 and prsent in amt. 0.01-1% (by wt. of dry lead oxide).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The accumulator is of the type having antimony-contg. lead grid electrodes, used e.g. for stationary purposes or as a starter battery. Presence of the lignin sulphonate gives a furtehr redn. (about 50%) in water loss so that the accumular requires no water addn. during its useful life.
Compsn. comprises (a) ammonium sulphate; (b) copolymeric emulsion of (i) acrylate, styrene and acrylic acid; (ii) styrene and butadiene; (iii) alpha-olefin monomers and vinyl acetate; (iv) butyl acrylate, acrylonitrile and methylol acrylamide; or (v) butyl acrylate, methacrylate and methacrylic acid; and (c) water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsn. is used to reduce lead dust emanating from lead plates during the mfr. of lead-acid storage batteries. A water insol. film is formed which is made porous by the simultaneous evolution of ammonia gas, giving a battery with improved performance and lower internal resistance.
Phenol-resorcinol-HCHO resins, for cellulose separators, were admixed with, by wt., 1-10% sulphonated mineral oil, as surfactant, 8-10% acetone, as stabiliser, and 6-8% diethylene glycol, as plasticiser.    USE -   The compsns. are useful in Pb storage batteries.
Prodn. of an electrode base for lead battery etc., is claimed. Foamable plastic resin layer is formed on a conductive porous thin plate. A metal plating is applied to the resin layer. (J55032377-A)
Sealing agent is a mixt. of (a) an oriented and non-sintered PTFE powder, (b) softening agent and/or (C) tackifier.    Pref. cpd. (b) is e.g. polybutene, liq. fluororubber or fluoro oil. Cpd (C) is, e.g. xylene resin, hydrogenated rosin, etc. The total content of (b) and (c) is 10-100 pts. wt. based on 100 pts. wt. of (a).    The powder (a) is produced by mixing fine powder of PTFE and liq. lubricant, pre-moulding the mixt. by compression, by extrusion-moulding, calendering intoa certain thickness to obtain film, removing the liquid lubricant and finally grinding the film into powder having particle size of 10-100 microns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sealing agent has a good weather , heat and chemical resistance and a required adhesive force to the surface to be sealed. The sealing agent is useful as a leaking resistant agent for a fuel cell.
(JP93076742-B)      Separator comprises a porous film or nonwoven cloth made of a polyolefin treated with a copolymer having a wt. mean polymerisation deg. of 1-100 of an alpha-olefin with maleic anhydride.    USE -   For Ni-Cd cells, alkali-Mn cells or Ag cells. (J60202660-A)
(JP92033146-B)      Back side protective sheet for solar cell module comprises a heat-resistive film formed on the inner surface of a heat-resistive and weather-resistive resin film and adhesive resin layer formed on the heat resistive film.    Used for solar energy utilisations. (J60201652-A)
Solid state cell is made by:forming a composite cathode by forming a sheet or film from a soln.of insertion electrode material (or similarly active material) and a polymer capable of forming a complex with an Li salt and pressing the sheet or film to densify it; and assembling the cell with an Li anode and an electrolyte comprising a polymer capable of forming an Li salt complex, the latter forming an ion-conducting phase in the cathode and/or electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has enhanced vol. energy density and capacity retention.
A battery separator (18) comprises a sheet of hydrophobic porous elastomer having a surface film (21) of poly(alkenyl imidazoline) contg. the repeating unit of formula (I). The elastomer is an ethylene-propylene copolymer or polypropylene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The separator (18) is used in a secondary battery (10) of high energy density and long cycle. It is readily wetted by a non-aqs. electrolytes comprising a salt dissolved in a polar solvent.
Electroconductive composite material contg. high contains high density polyethylene, carbon black, graphite, boron nitride particles (average dia. 1-5 microns, purified over 99.5%.    ).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material has good mouldability, is easy to prepare, and offers easy control of electroconductivity degree. It has improved chemical stability and is useful especially for the electrodes of battery cell. The addn. of boron nitride particles improves acid resistance and processability of the resin.    In an example, the resin material was prepared by mixing high density polyolefin (specific gravity 0.95 g/cm3) 48 wt.% carbon black 18 wt.% graphite particles (average dia. 10 microns) 18 wt.% boron nitride particle 10 wt.%. The material had electroconductivity 0.208 ohm/cm. The resin material was moulded into test sheet and tested as the electrode of battery cell.
Porous electrode (I) for galvanic elements comprises a shaped article formed from Zn powder, individual Zn particles being embedded in a matrix of elastic threads of a binder, partic. polyisobutylene.    Prepn. of (I) by adding mixt. of Zn powder and a readily decomposable and/or water-sol. pore-forming substance (II) to a soln. of polyisobutylene in a readily volatile organic solvent and stirring, extruding the pasty mass into a shaped article, and drying the article in a vacuum or placing it in hot water to remove the (II) and the solvent.    Pref. wt. ratio Zn:(II) is 10-5:1, partic. 6:1 (II) is NH4HCO3. Solvent is cyclohexane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. in alkali-Mn cells, esp. round cells, (I) forming central electrode (I) has low bulk density, particles cohere well together so (I) withstands shocks and vibration.
A solid polymer electrolyte comprises: (a) matrix of linear poly(ethylene imine); and (b) LiI, LiClO4, NaI, NaBr, KI, CsSCN, AgNO3, CuCl2, CoCl2 or Mg(ClO4)2 dissolved in or distributed throughout the matrix (a) and present in amt. of 0-0.10 moles per mole of repeat unit -CH2CH2NH- of (a).    USE -   The electrolyte is used in batteries.    In an example, linear polyethylene imine was prepd. using methyl iodide to initiate the ring opening polymerisation of 2-methyloxazoline in DMF to yield poly(N-acetyl-ethyleneimine). The polymer was hydrolysed in 2-5N NaOH at 100 deg.C to yield linear polyethyleneimine of m.wt. 2000.
A high energy density battery comprises (a) a negative electrode of electrochemically active metal; (b) a non-aq. liq. electrolyte; and (c) a positive electrode having a chlorofluorinated carbon, (CyFxCl2) as principal active material; where x is greater than 0 to 1.2, pref. =0.7-1.1; y=1-2, pref. =0.8-1.0; z=0.001-0.1, pref. =0.001-0.01; n=number of repeating units, ranging from 1 to 100,000 or more; e.g. CF1ClO.008    ADVANTAGE -   Compared with CFx, the positive active material increases Ah or Wh capacity at a given rate, providing higher operating discharge voltages and increased power; and improves pulse voltage capability at a high drain rate. High voltage is observed from the start of discharge. Unlike CFx, where the initial 10% discharge is at a lower voltage. The graph shows comparative discharge across a 1 kohm load, corresponding to a cathodic current density 2.4mA/cm2.
The cell contains an aq. alkaline electrolyte contacting a reactive metal anode and cathode separated from each other to define a reaction space. A shutdown liq. (I) is introduced into the reaction space, to at least partially displace the electrolyte and partially passivate the cell.    (I) comprises an ethylenically satd. polymer of m.wt. 100-1000 Daltons that contains ether linkages and is at least partially miscible with the electrolyte. The polymer is at inert w.r.t. the anode, cathode and electrolyte and contains an atomic ratio of carbon present in    ADVANTAGE -   A safe, reliable method of shutting down or controlling the rate of reaction of the cell is provided.
Plurality of conductive powder contg. layers consists of many microknotted sections formed by conductive powder contg. poly-tetrachloroethylene resin and poly-tetrachloroethylene resin fine fibre sections. The fine fibre sections connect three dimensionally the microknotted sections. Layers consist of many conductive powder free poly-tetrachloroethylene resin microknotted sections and many fine fibres. The fine fibres connect three dimensionally the microknotted sections. The layers are provided between the conductive substance powder contg. layers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material for gas diffusion electrode is used for a fuel cell or oxygen-metal cell. The material has high performance and long life and is mass produced at low cost.
(JP93047947-B)      Battery comprises a positive electrode depolarising mixt. contg. I and I-polymer complex additive and/or cpd. contg. I dispersed in this polymer. This mixt. is contacted with a negative electrode through an electrolyte.    USE -   For portable power sources. (J60189167-A)
An enclosed lead storage battery comprises a plate assembly consisting of a positive plate, negative plates and a separator; an electrolyte held in position by the plate assembly; and a jacket enveloping the plate assembly and electrolyte, made from a laminate film or sheet made by disposing a polyolefin film on the inside in contact with the plate assembly, and laminating a film of thermoplastic synthetic resin in at least two layers on the outside of the polyolefin film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows plate assemblies of any thick-ness and size to be enveloped with ease and at low cost. The batteries are suitable for automated prodn. methods and excellent sealing between the jacket and the battery terminal posts is obtd. during heat sealing, thus giving reliable leak-proofing of the battery. The batteries are useful for powering portable electric devices.
Gellification of anodes for alkaline cells comprises the gellification of an active anode material (I) with a hydrolysed polyacrylonitrile (II) and an alkaline electrolyte soln.    Pref. (I) is Zn and pref. the percentage of (II) w.r.t. (I) + the alkaline electrolyte soln. is 0.6-1.5 wt.%. Also claimed is an electrochemical cell comprising a gellified anode, a cathode and an aq. alkaline electrolyte, the anode contg. a hydrolysed polyacrylonitrile.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has improved storage stability, storage life, and handling properties. The gellifying agent (also claimed) can be used with all suitable cathodes e.g. metal oxides, Ni hydroxide and air.
An electrode material for a fuel cell comprises 2 porous carbonaceous layers, each having in the centre of the layer a number of channels for feeding gaseous reactants into the cell, and, between the porous layers, a gas-impermeable carbonaceous layer, with, in the centre of the layer, a number of channels for feeding coolant.    The channels in each layer are parallel to each other and to the electrode surface, and continuous from 1 side of the electrode to the other; channels are at right angles to channels. The properties are: density, at least 1.2 g/cc, 0.4-0.8 g/cc; porosity 50-80%; gas permeability coefft. not above 1x10-4 square cm/h/mmWS, at least 20 ml/cm/h/mmWS; heat conductivity, at least 1.16 W/Km, at least 0.81 W/Km; specific resistance not above 10x10-3 omega cm; open pores at least 60% of dia. not above 100 microns. Layers may comprise a more porous layer and a less porous layer, with the channels between these layers.
A primary cell, and partic. a button-form gas-depolarised cell, with alkaline electrolyte in a metal casing, consists of an inner anode container for the negative electrode material and an outer cathode container insulated from the anode by a polymer seal with a flange against the inner side of the anode. The electrode material is locked in position in the anode space by cutouts and/or projecting lugs on the flange part. The polymer is polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyacetalene or polysulphone.    ADVANTAGE -   The design has a high energy density and a compact, firm construction without risk of leakage or short circuiting.
An Ni electrode comprises a conductive support having a layer of a mixt. of (a) Ni active material, pref. Ni(OH)2; and (b) a diluent of conductive graphite contg. 1-30 wt.%, based on wt. diluent, of a spinel type oxide M2CO2O4; where M2=Co, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and/or Cd; pref. CoCo2O4, NiCo2O4 or MnCo2O4; and pref. (c) a binder, esp. PTFE.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is useful for alkaline storage batteries. The oxidn. of the graphite diluent is decreased, and electrode life is increased. Alkaline sec. batteries using the electrode exhibited a deep discharge-recharge cycling capacity in excess of 750 cycles. Similar cells without the spinel oxide showed loss of capacity after 500 deep discharge cycles.
Electrochemical cell has cation exchange membrane as electrolyte with integrally bonded catalyst electrodes, where on the opposite side of membrane water- or organic-solvent suspensions of fluoro-plastics are coated in such manner as to expose partially catalyst electrode, allowing water or organic solvent to diffuse and form porous layer of fluoroplastics.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for making electrochemical cells with excellent cation exchange membrane used in electrolysis equipment and as fuel cells. The retention of water in the pores of porous catalyst electrode is prevented by forming porous fluoroplastics layer.
The cell provides cation exchange membrane, as a electrolyte, integrally joined together (cation exchange film) with catalyst electrode, where on the opposite side of the catalyst electrode having cation films, porous polyfluoroethylene film is laminated in such manner as to expose partially the catalyst electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is used for electrolysis equipment including water electrolysis equipment, humidity sensors, de-humidifiers, hydrogen separation equipment, and fuel cells including H2-O2 fuel cells, methanol-oxygen fuel cells, etc. Cell prevents the retention of water in the pores of catalyst electrode without sacrificing the current collective ability and accelerates electrochemical reaction of the cell, due to partially exposed catalyst electrode.
Matrix comprises (a) first layer comprising electroconductive powder contg. PTFE resin and linked PTFE fibres not contg. electroconductive powder, and (b) second layer comprising the resin and fibres.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Material is used in fuel cells, and oxygen-metal cells or NaCl electrolysis, as a gas diffusion electrode. Electrode material provides good long-term waterproofness; and air permeability, good durability and good adhesion without ply sepn.
(JP93078144-B)      Sec. cell comprises a 1st electrode having a cover made of a metal-polymer Schiff-base complex and 2nd electrode and electrolyte. The complex is pref. metal-poly-N-salicylidenevinylamine.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J60180064-A)
(JP92049749-B)      Fuel cell comprises thin film layers formed in end parts of fuel electrodes and oxidiser electrodes laminated between separators. Filmy layers are formed by winding green tetrafluoroethylene resin tapes round the end parts of the electrodes.    For d-c power sources. (J60177563-A)
Electrode substrate (1) has a gas impermeable layer formed of a carbon plate (3) having a flexible graphite sheet (4) on either side thereof, and two porous carbonaceous layers (2,2') provided one each side of the gas impermeable layer and each of which have a set of elongate holes (5) for feeding reactant gases into a fuel cell constricted from the substrate.    Carbon plate is pref. injection moulded from 50-90 wt.% carbonaceous filler of calcined pieces of oxidised pitch and 10-50 wt.% binder. The porous material is pref. 10-50 wt.% filler, and 20-40 wt.% phenol resin, epoxy resin, a petroleum pitch or coal pitch binder and 20-50 wt.% pore regulator of PVA, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene. The elongate holes are pref. formed of a textile fabric or a polymer grating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Forming a bipolar electrode substrate for a fuel cell. Provides an electrode substrate which can be produced by press moulding rather than by mechanical ribbing and boring, and which can be provided in large sizes without exfoliation of layers.
Fuel cell comprises an electrode substrate including, in order, a porous carbonaceous layer (12) a dense carbonaceous layer (12), a separator (14) a dense carbonaceous layer (13) and a porous carbonaceous layer (12), each dense layer (13) having a bulk density greater than that of the neighbouring porous layer (12) and a set of elongate holes (15) for feeding reactant gases into the fuel cell at the interface between the porous and dense layers.    Porous layers are pref. 10-50 wt.%, 20-40 wt.% binder and 20-50 wt.% pore regulator. The dense layer pref. has 30-70 wt.% filler, 20-40 wt.% binder and 10-30 wt.% pore regulator. The filler is pref. short fibres or particles of carbon, the binder is pref. phenol or epoxy resin, a petroleum or coal pitch, and has a carbonising yield of 30-75 wt.%, and the pore regulator is pref. particles of PVA, PVC polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In forming a monopolar fuel cell. Provides a fuel cell electrode substrate without ribs and which can be stacked without additional separator sheets.
Prodn. of alloys (A) contg. an alkali(ne earth) metal (I) and a host metal (II) comprises contacting a (II)-contg. structure with an organic soln. of (I), this soln. being maintained in contact with a source of (I) until the alloy has formed. The activity of (A) is determined by that of the soln. being used to transfer (I). Also new are electrodes consisting of these alloyed structures in contact with a polymeric electrolyte (pref. a polyether) and high energy-density electrochemical generators contg. such electrodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is simple, controllable and can be carried out at room temp. It allows thin electrodes of large surface area to be made. No penetration of electrolyte into the electrode occurs, so that formation of non-conducting layers is prevented. The electrodes do not require addn. of e.g. carbon additives.
A battery having a Zn electrode and a porous separator between anode and cathode is improved when the separator includes a cpd. R3N (I) to reduce the rate of Zn dendrite growth in the separator during operation. (R= heptyl, hexyl, pentyl, n-octyl or decyl). The separators is pref. made of microporous polypropylene membrane or cellophane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The redn. in Zn dendrite growth prevents short circuiting so extends the life of the battery. The batteries are esp. of the Ni/Zn type, used in electrical cars or military vehicles.
An electrochemical cell comprises an outer conductive housing, a cathode in direct contact with the housing and a first anode sepd. from the cathode by porous insulation. An electrolyte is contd. within the housing and within the porous insulation.    The cell has a depletion gauge (12) to indicate the level of discharge. A conductive resistive strip (84) having a proximal end (86) and a distal end (88) extends diagonally through the first anode and is insulated from the anode by material (94). Insulation (94) has passageways (96) to establish electrical connections between the anode and strip (84). An electrical conductor is connected to the proximal end of strip (84) and extends out of and is insulated from the conductive housing. An initial voltage is developed between the electrical conductor and the housing.    Each passageway contains electrically conductive plugs and these passageways are exposed one by one to the electrolyte and rendered non-conductive as the anode is consumed. The number of non-conductive electrical connections between the electrolyte and conductive strip controls the amt. of electrical resistance of the strip. The increase in resistance of the strip during consumption of the anode serves to indicate the level of discharge of the cell.    USE -   The cell may be connected to a cardiac pacer.
An electrically conductive polymer is synthesised by casting a soln. of high m.wt. poly(ethylene oxide) PEO) complexed with an alkali metal salt in an organic solvent onto a substrate (4A) having an electrode (4B) thereon. The solvent is removed and a semi transparent noble metal electrode film (4D) is formed on the PEO film (4C). The film (4) is placed in an evacuated chamber (1) and a monomer vapour is introduced; monomer can diffuse through the noble metal electrode (4D) to the PEO film (4C). An electric potential is applied to hold the noble metal electrode (4D) at a positive potential relative to the substrate electrode (4B). The monomer is electrochemically oxidised to grow a conductive polymer film on one electrode. Alternatively the PEO-salt is cast as a thin film and exposed to the monomer vapour so that the monomer is adsorbed in the film. Electrodes are then formed on both sides of the film and the electric potential is applied as above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The conductive polymers so formed are used as semiconductor electrolyte junctions in photoelectrochemical energy conversion devices and solid state batteries.
The equipment, according to Parent Cert., consisted of a base (1), on which was a liftable table (2) with a unit for gripping one of the parts (a monoblock), and an upper plate (4) which holds the other part (the cover), plus horizontal guides with a heating plate (14). There was also a holder (7) on which were vertical guides (8), the heating plate bearing rods (15) movable in the vertical direction and spring-loaded relative to the holder. In the improved version the upper plate contains a unit to control the presence of a part in the gripping unit, made as a spring-loaded rod (12), mounted in a through-channel in the gripping unit and projecting behind the working surface of the latter, and a switch which can make contact with the rod.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the welding of plastics objects, such as the covers of storage batteries to the monoblock bodies made from thermoplastic materials, giving increased operational reliability of the equipment and reduced breakages and waste. Bul.13/7.4.85
Method is claimed to produce an electrode plate for use in a lead accumulator. A mesh plate is made of Pb or Pb alloy in a mould. A plastic resin is charged in the mesh plate and an active material is charged in the plate. (J53036641-A)
It has a tank made of a polyo refin resin, cover made of the same material as the tank, and electrode plates with terminal posts passing through cover and welded to it. (J52098935-A)
When polymerisation catalyst is removed from acetlene high polymer, aromatic nitrile cpd. of formula (I) is contacted with the polymer and the polymer is purified. (R1 is of formula (II); R2 is 1-5C alkyl or alkoxy; R3 is 1-5C alkyl, x, y, z is 0-5; m is 1-3 and n is 0-3).    Arom. nitrile used is e.g. benzonitrile, phthalo-dinitrile o(m,p)-toluo-nitrile, o(m,p)-methoxy phenylacetonitrile, 3,4-dimethoxy benzoacetonitrile, N-(2-cyanoethyl)-N-methylaniline, N-ethyl-N-(2-cyanoethyl) aniline, N-ethyl-N-(2-cyanoethyl) -m-toluidine, N-n-butyl-N-(2-cyanoethyl)aniline, 3-phenoxy propionit-rile. To use solid state aromatic nitrile, it is mixed with less than 80 times organic solvent, e.g. toluene, xylene, MeOH, EtOH, THF etc. Organic acid is then pref. satd. fatty acid or acid anhydride.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Residual catalyst is decreased with a small amt. of nitrile, in a short time, so decomposition and degradation of acetylene high polymer is diminished, mechanical strength is high and ageing of electric conductivity is extremely small. Thus the purified polymer can be used for solar cells, prim. and sec. cells and photoconductive cells.
A seal element having an airtightly adhered circular resin packing (7) on the whole part except the central part, e.g. an anode side seal plate (1) of a cell having centre panel (2) with a cap (3) to insert a current collector, a flange (5) and a thermoplastic packing (7) adhered with heat adhesive primer coating at the lower surface except a concaved part (11) for collecting current, is manufactured as follows: Melted thermoplastic resin, e.g. polyolefin, is supplied to a circular part, at which a packing for seal is formed, divided into the plurality of blocks (15a-15d) and pressed by a plunger (16) having a circular mould surface to form a circular resin packing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Seal elements with packings can be produced in simpler processes at a high speed and the prods. have excellent seal-reliability and durability.
A novel solid state electrochemical device contains a polymer/ salt adduct electrolyte and an anode of Mg, Ca, Zn and/or Al.    The polymer is solely or partially polyethylene oxide. The electrolyte salt cation is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Zn or Al and the anion is thio- -cyanate, perchlorate, trifluoromethane sulphonate or tetrafluoroborate. The cathode is a transition metal oxide, TiS2 or opt. complexed iodine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a current producing cell (claimed) or timer. The device is robust and leak free, and does not incorporate an alkali metal anode as in prior art devices using polymeric electrolytes. The electrolyte is of low mass and vol., can maintain the same contact area between electrolyte and electrodes due to its plastic and flexible nature. The completed device may be manipulated into different cell geometries.
A lead acid battery, e.g. of motive power or stationary type, includes a terminal pillar 8 of lead or lead alloy which extends through a hole in the floor 6 of a well 4 in the lid 2 of the battery. The terminal pillar is of generally circular section and is connected at its lower end to the positive or negative plates of the battery and has two opposed flats 10 at its upper end. The outer surface of the terminal pillar is coated with a layer of baked-on epoxy resin which is applied by dipping the pillar while still hot after casting, e.g. at 140 deg.C, into a fluidised bed of baking grade epoxy resin dust.    Prior to dipping the flats 10 are masked to shield them from the epoxy resin. The terminal pillar is baked at more than 100 deg. C to cure the resin into a hard impervious layer intimately bounded to the surface of the pillar. The pillar is sealed by means of an O ring 22 which is compressed against the floor of the well 6 and the side of the pillar 8 by means of an externally threaded nut 24. Vertical expansion of the plates is transmitted to the terminal pillar which slides upwardly through the seal 22.
Solar cell package comprises: a glass substrate with a first surface for receiving light anf a second surface with a solar cell element; a spaced backplate on the second surface and connected via a peripheral frame; a sealing resin around the inside of the frame sealing the space between backplate and second surface; a layer of dessicant on the inner surface of the backplate; and leads from the solar cell element. Dessicant is pref. a zeolite.    ADVANTAGE -   Package provides good protection for the cell and permits cell to withstand harsh conditions over a long period; it is low cost and can be mass produced. (First major country equivalent to J60170270-A)
Solid electrolyte has substrate composed of short fibre material having fibril structure, in which the substrate is uniformly impregnated with both organic polymer material and electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mechanical strength and flexibility are improved. Solvent adhesion or heat-pressure adhesion to polyacetylene film or metal foil can be applied. In an example, organic polymer material (e.g. polyacrylonitrile, polymethacrylate, polyfluorovinylidene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylacetate, etc.) and electrolyte (e.g. Li perchlate, borofluoride, phospho-fluoride, iodide, fluoride, chloride, etc.), were uniformly dissolved in ethylacetate, acetone or MEK to give soln.. Short fibre material (e.g. filter paper, non-woven cloth, polyacetylene film, etc.) was impregnated with the soln. to give solid electrolyte.
Cell uses as cathode active material amalgamated Zn alloy contg. (a) Al and/or Mg and (b) Pb, and Cd and/or Sn.    ADVANTAGE -   Amalgamation ratio of the cathode Zn can be reduced, so that pollution rate is reduced.    In an example, Al or Mg and Pb, Cd and/or Sn were added to 99.997% purity Zn metal to give Zn-alloy. The alloy was molten at 50U deg. C, pulverised by air jet and filtered into 50-150 mesh.
A totally enclosed lead accumulator uses separators consisting of two coherent composite paper layers. The first is composed of glass fibres with an average fibre dia. of 0.1-2 microns and the second which has the same or a greater thickness has qlass fibres of 3-10 microns average dia. Both the positive and the negative electrodes are in contact on both their surfaces with the first layer so that the second layers abut each other in a cell.    Separator (1) is made on a paper machine and consists of a first acid-proof glass fibre layer (1a) with an average dia. of 0.1-2 microns and a density of 0.2 g/cu.cm, 0.2-0.5 mm thick. The second acid-proof glass fibre layer has an average fibre dia. of 3-10 micron, mixed with 5wt.% of acrylic fibres, and is at least as thick as the first layer. The second layer can have 10-30% of acid-proof synthetic monofilaments of 1.5-3 denier or 30wt.% of glass fibres of 12-30 micron dia. The total thickness of the separator is 0.5-3 mm.    ADVANTAGE -   Such separators have good absorption and standing properties over long periods and are not reduced in thickness by the impregnation with the electrolyte.
An Ni-H2 battery comprises unit cells stacked together for axial current flow in a press. vessel contg. H2 gas, where each unit cell (11,12,13) comprises (a) cell walls defining a space contg. (b) an Ni electrode (44); (c) an H2 electrode (40); (d) a separator (42) between the electrodes; (e) electrolyte about the electrodes and separator; and (f) an opening(s) (58) through the Ni electrodes and separator allowing O2 evolved at the Ni electrode to recombine with H2 at the H2 electrode, forming water within the unit cell space.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is a bipolar cell stack with cells directly series connected in a lightweight structure. O2 is combined in each cell, avoiding gas build up and water maldistribution. The structure avoids electrolyte bridging, eliminating parasitic currents and ion migration.
A plate comprises a thin sheet of insulating organic resin with a series of spaced apertures, and a fluid-impervious metal conductor element (30) with spherical side profile (36) and flat end surfaces sealingly received in each in aperture. The elements are not connected with each other and their end surfaces are coincident with and exposed to the sheet faces.    The sheet is pref. of polypropylene and the metal is lead. Each element is pref. a pellet swaged into an aperture an the element are spaced in the plate in a uniform pattern with the distance from centre to centre 150-250 mils. Plate thickness is pref. 5-100 mils.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a liq. impermeable plate with through plate conductivity and zero resistance.
A cell has a housing with a fluid fill opening (54) closable by a plug which has a plastics body (44) with a relatively small through opening for insertion of a hypodermic needle, and a tapered metal member (56) insertable into the opening to close it and which can be secured in the opening.    The polymer is pref. PTFE, and the plastics body is placed in a metal sleeve (42) located in the container opening and sealed to the container about the opening. Sleeve and metal member are pref. of stainless steel, and the sleeve is welded to the metal container and has an internal shoulder against which the outer end of the body rests. The sleeve inner end is pref. formed to hold the body in position and the metal member outer end is welded to the sleeve.    USE -   Provides reliable seal for cells contg. e.g. thionyl chloride or sulphur dioxide depolarisers.
Conductive polyacetylene moulding for electrode contains polyacetylene and carbon fibre combined with at least a part of polyacetylene, and has a specific surface area of 50 m2/g or more and a specific resistance of 10 power 4 ohm or less.    The polyacetylene moulding is prepd. by adding a mixed catalyst of transition metal cpd. and org. metal cpd. to a carbon fibre dispersed solvent and polymerising acetylene in the solvent with stirring.    The carbon fibre is pref. in the form of filament, staple or chipped fibre. The transition metal cpd. is pref. an alkoxide cpd. of Ti and V or an acetylacetonate of Ti and V. The org. metal cpd. is pref. trialkyl Al. The solvent is hydrocarbon (HC) cpd. (e.g., benzene), ether (e.g., THF) or haloganated HC cpd. (e.g., chlorobenzene). Polymerisation temp. is pref. -80 - 100 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   The polyacetylene moulding has good mechanical strength and permits rapid doping.
Complex contains carbon fibre combined with polyacetylene and has a specific surface area of 100 m2/g or more.    The polyacetylene complex is pref. prepd. by polymerising acetylent in an org. solvent with stirring in the presence of the carbon fibre using a mixed catalyst composed of transition metal cpd. and org. metal cpd. The carbon fibre is pref. in the form of filament, staple or chipped fibre. The mixed catalyst is pref. composed of an alkoxy cpd. of titanium or vanadium and a trialkyl cpd. of aluminum. The org. solvent is hydrocarbon cpd. (e.g., benzene), ether (e.g., tetrahydrofuran), halogenated HC cpd. (e.g., chlorobenzene) or carboxylate (e.g., methyl benzoate). Polymerisation temp. is pref. -80 to 100 deg.C. After polymerisation, the complex is sepd. e.g., by filtration from the org. solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyacetylene complex has good conductivity and mechanical strength after moulding, and permits rapid doping. It is esp. useful for an electrode material of a cell.
Process comprises impregnating thermosetting resin varnish into cellulosic paper substrates opt. contg. carbonaceous filler to provide prepreg sheets, laminating and hot pressing prepreg sheets to provide laminated sheet and calcining the laminated sheet by sandwiching it between two stainless steel sheets.    The cellulosic paper substrate is pref. kraft paper or paper made from cellulosic fibre and carbonaceous filler (e.g. C fibre and/or graphite powder up to 40 wt.%). The thermosetting resin varnish is pref. phenol resin or furan resin dissolved in acetone or ethanol. The laminated sheet is calcined by controlling the heating rate at 1.5 deg.C for temp. range of 230-360 deg.C under inert gas atmos. contg. O2 in partial press. of 0.05-0.3 atom and heating rate at 5-10 deg.C for other temp. ranges.    USE -   The thin carbon film is suitable as a separator membrane for fuel cell.
Method comprises (1) a thermosetting resin diluted with an organic solvent is mixed with graphite powder and cellulose fibre, (2) the mixt. is moulded into a plate, and (3) it is hardened and calcined.    As the thermosetting resin, phenol resin and furan resin are useful. The resin is diluted with such a solvent as acetone or ethanol. The amt. of the solvent used is 20-200 vol. pts. per 100 vol. pts. of the resin. As the graphite powder, that contg. more than 80% of 200 mesh-through particles should be used. The content of graphite in (I) is 5-45%. The content of cellulose fibre in (I) is lower than 50 vol.%.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is used as a sepg. plate in a fuel battery. A sepg. plate in fuel battery must have a high electric conductivity, a low gas-permeability and a suitable mechanical strength. (I) has all these properties.
Polyelectrolyte complex comprises: (a) a water-sol. polymer (I) having anionic gps., crosslinked with (b) a water-sol. polymer (II) having cationic gps. At least one of (I) and (II) contains soft mers; and the proportion of the soft mers in (I) and (I) and the cationic moieties present in (II) are chosen such that the complex is thermoplastic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The complexes may be used as membranes for reverse osmosis, dialysis or ultrafiltration, antithrombogenic plastics, antistatic agents, dye acceptors, battery separators or components in artificial leathers. Because they are thermoplastic, the complexes can be easily shaped by moulding or extrusion, without requiring the use of organic solvents or complex ternary solvent systems. Also, they are readily mixed and extruded with various plastics and other fillers such as polyethylene, polystyrene, wood fibres and pigments.
A cell has a can (16) with an open top and a closure member (2) with a resilient annular flange (4) extending towards the closed can end and with an outer circumferential notch (12) to receive the inturned edge of the can top, this being inwardly crimped at 85-95 deg. w.r.t. the can wall. The closure has an outer sealing lip (6) at 85-95 deg. to the wall, parallel to and sealing with the can edge.    The lip has a circumferential groove (14) in its inner face so that the lip and edge form a re-sealable vent to relieve internal pressure in the can beyond a given limit, the lip momentarily deflecting. The closure is pref. of nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene, and there is an outer metal jacket (28) sealed with a butt seam and having a layer of adhesive between can and jacket in the seam area.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides low profile construction allowing increased amounts of active material in the cell.
Battery comprises (a) groups of bipolar plates (112) stacked so the positive ends of different groups are adjacent each other and negative ends are adjacent each other; (b) a conductive electrolyte-impermeable monoplate (110) between adjacent group ends and sepd. from them by an electrolyte layer confined and contained within an acid resistant mat (122), having positive or negative active material on both surfaces of the plate to provide a positive monoplate between negative group ends and a negative monoplate between positive group ends; and (c) bus bars connecting the monoplates to positive and negative battery terminals.    In a second embodiment, a lead acid battery includes (i) a sealed casing (102) defining a common cavity (204); (ii) a resealable vent (202) connected to the cavity; and (iii) stacked lightweight battery plates having liq. electrolyte laden porous mats between them, defining a number of cells. The mats have a volumetric capacity greater than electrolyte vol. and an open pore structure between surfaces, permitting oxygen diffusion and confining all the liq. electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery can be mfd. to operate at high or low voltage. The single cavity construction allows use of a single vent. The construction is light in weight, but strong and rigid.
Positive tubular electrode for a lead-acid battery includes a grid structure comprising a top bar, a lug and a number of spaced spines each enclosed by tubes suspended from the top bar, with active material containers inside the tubes. The lower ends of the tubes are closed by a bottom bar.    The ratio between a calculated weight of formed, dry active material received in each tube member to the weight of spine enclosed by that tube is restricted to a max. value of 105:1. The ratio between the lateral cross section enclosed by each tube and that of the spine enclosed by it is restricted to a max. value of 5.0:1. The distance between the inner wall of each tube and the surface of the spine enclosed is restricted to a max. value of 2.5 mm (1.8 mm).    ADVANTAGE -   The cell obtd. has a working cycle life greater than that of conventional positive electrodes. The electrodes are thinner than conventional electrodes improving utilisation of active material and permitting use of an increased no. of electrodes in a standard cell container.
The machine comprises a base with guides on it on which is a pitch transporter with drive and carriages (3), base-mounted driven welding mechanisms, pneumocylinders for loading and unloading, and welding control system.    The welding mechanisms are in the form of extruders (6). The carriages have four vertical guides (22,23) which are in pairs and symmetrical in two planes perpendicular to each other. Two of them are composed of two plates forming a casting slit with one-sided inclination. The outer plate has a casting aperture of conical shape for inserting the extruder nozzle and a sprung limiter with projection.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Is used in connecting batteries using extruded fittings and bridges. Higher productivity and greater versatility. Bul.7/23.2.85
Membranes of organic polymers, (A), contain esp. 2-70 vol.% crystalline carrier cpds., (B), capable of transporting low mol. wt. cpds. selectively. (B) are either (i) Co chelate complex cpds. of salicylaldehyde-ethylene diamine Co (II), having formula (I), R1, R2, R3, R4 each = H, CH3, CH3O, F or CF3; R5 = -CH2CH2- or (II), or (ii) zeolites. The membranes are pref. applied on microporous carrier membranes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Membranes contg. (I) are used for the sepn. of O2 from O2-contg. gases. Membranes contg. zeolites are used for the sepn. of linear from branched hydrocarbon isomers, and can also be used as ion exchanger membranes, e.g. as separators for alkaline high performance batteries. The membranes have good permeability, a high sepn. factor and increased service-life.
Membrane of vinyl polymers comprises units, contg. Co complex gps. of formula (I) where R1, R2, R3, R4 each = H, -CO3, CH3O-, F- or CF3 and R5 = -CH2-CH2- or gp. (III) bonded covalently to the polymer chain.    The membrane is built up of: (a) 10-90 mol % units derived from monomers having formula (II) A = a deriv. gp. of formula (I), (b) 10-90 mol % units derived from vinyl pyridines, and opt. (c) 0-90 mol % units derived from vinyl monomers which are copolymerisable with (a) and (b).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membranes are used (i) for the sepn. of O2 from O2-contg. gases, esp. for the sepn. of O2 from air or for enriching air with O2, e.g. for firing melting furnaces and gasifying clarifying plant or fermentation processes, and (ii) as cathodes in fuel cells. The membranes have good permeability for O2, e.g. 1-4 x 10 power minus 6cc/sq.cm. sec.cm. Hg, a higher sepg. factor, e.g. over 1000, and increased service-life.
Electrochemical cell or battery has at least 2 electrodes and, as electrolyte, a soln. or suspension of an ionic or ionisable cpd. as conductive salt in an organic solvent, which is inert towards the electrodes. At least one of the electrodes contains an electrochemically oxidisable and/or reducible polymer, having an electroconductivity of over 10 -2/ohm.cm in the oxidised and/or reduced state, as active electrode material. The novelty is that the electrolyte contains an organic complex ligand (I) with units of the formula (-X-CH2-CH2-); X = O, S or NH. (I) is a crown ether, cryptand or podand and is present in a concn. of 0.05-2 M in the electrolyte solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell has high packing and energy density, low self-discharge and increased storage stability. The current output can be very high and the cycle stability is also high.
An injection moulding apparatus with heated injection ducts for injection moulding at several points (typically 6), esp. for the production of a multi-cell hollow moulding such as an automobile battery casing, has each duct constructed as follows. A flow control needle (2) with conical point regulates the flow at the inlet duct (14) to the mould (9,10).    The axial position of the needle is accurately regulated by a wedge-shaped block (5) fixed to its rear end, the inclined face of which is in contact with a second wedge-shaped block (3) capable of sliding perpendicularly to the needle. The position of this second block (3) is adjusted by a hand-operated screw (13,4).    USE/ADVANTAGES -   Inparticular for the production of automobile battery cells, where a very long core (10) for each cell is used for moulding a very thin cell wall. Accurate control by the operating personnel is possible, without any dismantling of the equipment.
A grid for supporting active material of an electric storage battery comprises a conductive current collecting header along an edge of the grid and a network of conductive wires extending from the header and defining a scalloped edge opposite the header. A thin, flexible thermoplastic ribbon encloses the scalloped edge and is connected to the grid by spot welds which extend through interstices along the edge of the grid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Battery grids mfd. from bilaterally expanded grid-making stock. The grid is relatively light-weight and low cost by substitution of the conventional metal border with a folded, spot-welded thermoplastic border. The active material is retained longer than grids made with metal borders.
A continuous length of lead-acid storage battery grid-making stock is made by (a) advancing a narrow lead strip longitudinally between two rows of progressive dies and cutters which converge in incremental steps toward the longitudinal centre of the strip passing between them; (b) expanding the strip along the lateral edges thereof by periodically shearing several interconnected wire-like segments from each of the edges into a network of the segments defining several interstices for containing the battery's active materials the network having a longitudinal distal edge remote from the centre; (c) flattening the expanded strip; (d) feeding a thin flexible thermoplastic ribbon longitudinally toward the stock so as to converge upon the distal edge; (e) folding the ribbon lengthwise about the distal edge such as to provide portions of the ribbon on each side of the network at the distal edge; and (f) spot welding the portions together through the interstices along the distal edge.    ADVANTAGE -   The plastic border cushions the plates base and thereby prolongs the retention of the active material; with weight and cost savings.
In the electrically insulated body (1), made of polyfluroethylene resin, quartz or polymethylmethacrylate, the packing disc (2) is located. The ceramic electrolyte (3) is compressed by the bushing (4). Auxiliary (5) and working (6) electrodes are mounted at both end sections of the electrolyte (3). A rod-section (7) is then inserted into the side orifice in the body section (1). The auxiliary electrode acts as the anode and the comparison electrode as the cathode. On opposite sides, the layer of electrolyte via the templates (8,9) act as current tappings and press against electrodes (5,6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electrical engineering, partic. for mfr. electrochemical cells with a solid electrolyte for polarisation research. Widens functional possibilities of polarisation measurements using a ceramic electrolyte i.e. using sodium ions. Bul.6/15.2.85.
Prepn. of polyazophenylene comprises (1) dissolving p-phenylene diamine in glacial acetic acid, and (2) polymerising in presence of oxidising agent of (i) sodium perborate or (ii) sodium perborate and boric acid.    1-100 g of p-phenylene diamine is added pref. into 1 l of glacial acetic acid. 2-5 mol. of sodium perborate is used based on 1 mol. of p-phenylene diamine. Less than 2 mol. or boric acid is used based on 1 mol. of sodium perborate. Polymerisation is carried out at 17-80 deg.C (e.g. 20-70 deg.C) for 0.5-12 (e.g. 1-10) hrs. The polymer is filtered from the polymerisation mixt., washed with hot-water and dried.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer is obtained efficiently and in higher yield. Catalyst is completely removed from the polymerisation mixture. Blowing of oxygen gas into the reaction medium, can be eliminated.
Polyacetylene polymer is converted electrochemically into n-type polyacetylene by treating the polymer electrochemically in non-aq. soln. of Li salt and a cpd. (I) (Z is 2-5C linear alkylene opt. substd. by at least one substit. selected from halogen, alkyl or aryl or group: (II) in a concn. of 0.1-100 wt% of the soln. free from the electrolyte under doping potential from + 3.0 V to - 0.1 V with respect to the standard electrode potential of Li and at quantity of electricity equiv. to 30-80 mol% of CH unit in the polyacetylene.    Polyacetylene is prepd. by polymerising acetylene in the presence of Ziegler catalyst comprising transition metal cpd. and organo-metallic cpd. or catalyst system comprising transition metal and reducing agent in the form of film, powder or gel. The electrolyte is pref. LiClO4, LiCl, LiBF4, LiBr, LiI, LiPF6, CH3SO3Li or CF3SO3Li. Z in the specified cpd. is pref. -CH2-, -CH2-CH(CH3)-, -CH2-CH2-CH2-, CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-or -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-. The diluent is pref. tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxy ethane, diethyl ether, acetonitrile, propionitrile, sulphorane, gamma-butyrolactone, benzene, toluene or anisole.    ADVANTAGE -   The specified solvent and specified electrochemical reaction conditions provide drastically high stability to O2, CO2 and reactive solvents of n-doped polyacetylene and drastically high improvement in the electrical capacity of polyacetylene secondary battery.
Polyacetylene is converted into n-type polyacetylene by treating the polymer in non-aq. soln. of Li salt and a cpd. of formula (I); (R1 and R2 are each H, halogen, alkyl or aryl or R1 and R2 may be coupled together with the vicinal -C=C- to form a ring gp.) in a concn. of 0.1-100wt.% of the soln. free from the electrolyte under doping potential from +3.0V to -0.1V w.r.t. the standard electrode potential of Li and at quantity of electricity equiv. to 30-80 mol.% of CH unit in the polyacetylene.    ADVANTAGE -   High stability to O2, CO2 and reactive solvents and in the electrical capacity of a polyacetylene sec. battery.
Carbon fibres covered with pitch-modified phenol resin is prepd. by rapid cooling of homogeneous mixt. made of 100 pts. wt. carbon fibre heated at a temp. higher than the softening pt. of pitch-modified phenol resin, 10-50 pts. wt. pitch-modified phenol resin and, if necessary, hardener.    Pref. the quantity of pitch is 20-100 pts. wt. per 100 pts. wt. phenol resin.    Also claimed are carbon fibres covered with pitch-modified phenol resin prepd. by rapid cooling of homogeneous mixt. of 100 pts. wt. of carbon fibre heated at a temp. higher than the softening pt. of pitch-modified novolak type phenol resin, 10-50 pts. wt. of pitch-modified novolak phenol resin and hardener. A further similar version uses resol type phenol resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sintered body having homogeneous density and high mechanical strength is prepd. Electrode of fuel cell, electrode of zinc chloride cell, carbon resistor, etc. are prepd. by sintering.
Sheets are made from 60-95 wt. pts. of at least one organic fibre for producing carbon fibre (e.g., regenerated cellulose fibre, pitch fibre, phenolic fibre etc.) and carbon fibre, and 5-40 wt. pts. of pulp and/or binder. Obtd. sheets are impregnated with organic high molecular substance soln. (thermosetting resin such as phenolic resin, epoxy resin, thermoplastic resin such as vinyl chloride resin etc.) in amt. of 20-200% of sheet. The sheets are heat pressed (150-220 deg. C for 1-60 min.) to moulding and cure and then if necessary, insolubilisation is effected. Obtd. sheets are carbonised at over 800 deg. C by heating to form porous carbon plates under 2-50 g.cm. sq. pressure. Impregnated sheets are heat pressed after laminating together when they are thin. Carbon fibre producing organic fibre is 0.5-15 denier, 2-15 mm long (pref. 0.5-8 denier, 3-10 mm). Pulp is cellulose pulp or synthetic pulp. Binder is polyvinylalcohol fibre which is insoluble in cold water and soluble in hot water.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves producibility and gives uniform flat carbon plates. The plates are used for electrode base material of fuel battery as the diameter and porosity are easily controlled by thickness of carbon fibre, their combination and adjustment of press-processing.
Cell comprises a positive electrode metal plate; a negative electrode metal plate confronting the plate; and a three layer adhesive sealing member for sealing the peripheral edge portions of the plates, consisting of a central core of polyethylene or ethylene copolymer bordered on both sides by ionomer resin layers.    ADVANTAGE -   The sealing member has excellent adhesion to the metal plates and gives cells with excellent sealing strength and long term reliability. The polyethylene (copolymer) layer provides high electrical insulation which prevents self discharge of the cell by minute discharge currents through the ionomer resin during long term storage. The construction allows ultra thin cells to be made.
A battery contains an anode, cathode and electrolyte, the anode and/or the cathode comprising a conjugated backbone polymer and the electrolyte comprising an organic solvent contg. a dissolved salt which inserts into the conjugated backbone polymer during charging and discharging of the battery. The solvent comprises a sultone(s) of formula (I). (R = 2-5C alkylene opt. substd. with one or more 1-4C alkoxy of alkyl gps.)    ADVANTAGE -   The sultone solvent exhibits higher stability than sulpholanes w.r.t. the reduced polymer electrode while also being stable w.r.t. the oxidised polymer electrode.
Prepn. of a positive electrode for a non-aq. electrolyte cell comprises (a) applying a mixt. of 40 wt.% positive electrode-active material, 5 wt.% of an electrically conductive agent, 1 wt.% of a PTFE dispersion, 1 wt.% of polyacrylic acid and 53 wt.% water on one or both sides of a supporting material; and (b) drying the material.    The positive electrode active material is carbon fluoride and esp. manganese dioxide. The electrically conductive agent is acetylene black and esp. graphite.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrode has a uniform thickness and can prevent the deterioration in the oxidation no. of manganese dioxide at drying of the electrode.
A secondary cell with a circulating electrolyte, e.g. a zinc-bromine battery, consists of a packet of bipolar electrodes, containing carbon in a plastic binder, and separators containing thermoplastic material. One electrode side acts as positive (bromine) electrode and the other as negative (zinc) electrode. Openings for the electrolyte pass through sealed edges of the packet. Connectors join the inlet and outlet openings.    ADVANTAGE -   The sealed packet ensures a trouble free inflow and outflow of the electrolyte to the anode and cathode spaces. The resistance of the inflows and outflows can be freely chosen.
A solid state alkali metal-halogen battery having an alkali metal anode, a halogen contg. organic polymer cathode and a solid electrolyte between them and in contact with the anode and cathode is characterised in that the organic polymer contains cyclised a crylonitrile units to which at least part of the halogen is chemically bonded. Also claimed is the cathode and its prodn. along with the prodn. of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Application of the cyclised acrylonitrile dispersion improves the lifetime of the battery and shows superior discharge characteristics. The organic polymer is vacuum cyclised isotatic polyacrylonitrile (PAW) and the cathode contains iodine, a current collector, Al2O3 and is in film form. The alkali metal anode is made of lithium (alloy).
An ionically conductive compsn. comprises a salt dissolved in a macromolecular material (I) comprising an organometallic polymer in which each metal atom is linked by an O atom to at least 2 polymeric chains each derived from monomer(s) (II) which each contains at least one heteroatom capable of forming dinor acceptor type bonds eiht the cation of the dissolved salt. ALso claimed is the prepn. of the compsn.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compan. is used for producing electrochemical generators. It is stable in the redox range used in Li based accumulators.
Composite comprises a polyacetylene polymer and a coating formed on the polymer with an ionic organic cpd(s). of formula (I) M = alkali metal; X, Y same or different = -O or -O-CO-O; R1-4 = H, opt. substd. 1-5C alkyl, opt. substd. 1-5C alkoxy or R1R2 or R3R4 form a cyclic structure.    Also claimed is the prodn. of the composite by applying to the polyacetylene polymer a soln. contg. (I) and drying the coated polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Claimed use is an n-doped composite negative electrode active substance for a battery, the composite being that as above, and the positive electrode active substance is Li1-xCoO2 where x = 0.1. The battery which uses the composite has excellent charge-discharge cycle properties, self-discharge properties and voltage-maintaining properties.
A solid thermosettable intimate blend comprising: 30-76 wt.% of finely divided carbonaceous particulate filler (I) and 24-70 wt. % of a finely divided phenolic resin mixt. (II). (II) comprises (a) 20-80 pts. by wt. of a phenolic-furfuraldehyde Novolak resin which is fusible on heating and (b) 20-80 pts. by wt. of a phenolic-aldehyde resol resin which is thermosettable on heating. (a) plus (b) total 100 pts. by wt. The aldehyde in (a) comprises at least 50 molar % of furfuraldehyde.    (I) is graphite in an amt. of 35-65 pref. 40-60 wt.%. (II) is in a pref. amt. of 35-65 wt.%. For both (a) and (b) the phenolic is phenol. (II) a) contains substantially 100 and at least 75 molar % furfuraldehyde. Particles of (a) are no greater than 40 and pref. 100 mesh. Furfuraldehyde: phenol molar ratio is 0.6:1-0.9:1, pref. 0.7:1-0.75:1. Opt. (a) contains 0-12 pref. 0.12-8 pts. of hexamethylenetetramine/100 pts. of (a). (II) b) the aldehyde is formaldehyde. Particles of (b) are no greater than 40 mesh. Formaldehyde: phenol molar ratio is 1.05:1 - 1.55:1, pref. 0.7:1 - 0.75:1. The blend of (a):(b) is in the range of 30:70 - 50:50.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for thermosetting and conversion to vitreous carbon with improved electrical properties that can be moulded and carburised into large, thin plates. The plates are substantially more stress free and are suitable for fuel cells.
A matrix material for a molten carbonate fuel cell comprising: a fine pore, gas permeable, anode stable metal layer having a porosity of 40-50 vol.%;bonded to a matrix tape comprising a mixt. of:particles inert to molten carbonate electrolyte and less than 1 micron in size; ceramic particles greater than 25 microns; and at least 25 vol.% of a polymeric binder, the matrix tape being flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp.    The matrix tape layer pref. comprises 40-45 vol.% inert particles and at least 15 vol.% ceramic particles. The pref. inert particles are of lithium aluminate, the pref. ceramic particles are of alumina and the pref. polymer is polyvinyl butyral. The layer is pref. 3-5 mils thick.    ADVANTAGE -   The material is less fragile than known materials.
A corrosion resistant, electrically condutive, fluid impervious interface between two adjacent elements (18,21) in a fuel cell stack comprises (a) a first conductive layer (52) and a second perforate conductive layer (53) providing a bridging electrical contact between the elements; and (b) a hot pressed resin (54) bonding the layers together and to at least one element, and filling any void space between the elements.    Pref. one of the elements is adapted to contain electrolyte. Pref. one element is gas distribution plate and the other is a cooling plate or current collecting plate. The first conductive layer may serve as a gas distribution plate. Both elements are bonded to the interface.    ADVANTAGE -   The interface imparts resistance to corrosion by the electrolyte, and provides good electrical and thermal conductivity between the elements.
The electrode (4) supports an electrically conducting layer which is impermeable for ions. It is held in a frame which has channels for gas and electrolyte. At least one side of the separator supports the gas diffusion electrode.    The ion impermeable separate wall has an electrically conducting plastic material and an electrically active layer of conducting porous particles which are connected to each other and to the conducting layer. The particles include electrocatalysts and materials which tapes electrolytes (8).    USE -   A battery is built up of a stack of units made of these electrodes. The conducting plastic is crosslinked polyethylene or polypropylene with carbon. (Provisional basic previously advised in week 8524)
Element comprises a plastics sheet (16) forming a cell envelope wall and coextensive with a metal collector plate (26) carrying a welded-on central metal connector (27); a coating (34) adherent to the plate and resistant to KOH, and a layer of hot-melt adhesive (35) on the coating over the entire surface surrounding the weld. The sheet has a passage for the connector and the coating and adhesive seal against flow of KOH to the passage.    The coating is pref. of PVC contg. dispersed finely-divided graphite and the adhesive is a butadiene-based elastomer. The plate surface is pref. burnished and degreased before applying the coating. The envelope adjacent the plate is pref. EVA copolymer, or modified polyethylene.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates or markedly retards leakage to enhance cell shelf and operating life.
Dip method of enveloping a battery plate comprises: (a) dipping the plate in a first liq., pref. a solvent/non-solvent mixt. to displace air, (b) dipping the plate in a second liq., comprising a polymer dissolved in a solvent/non solvent mixt. as in (a) and a filler in suspension, then (c) removing the plate and allowing the solvent/non-solvent to evaporate and form an envelope of porous separator material about the plate.    The second liq. may be heated, pref. at about 40 deg.C, before dipping the plate. Fumed silica may be added to the first liq. prior to dipping, and after removing the plate after step (b) it may be dipped in a nonsolvent, pref. present in the first and second liq. prior to step (c).    Before step (c) the plate may also be partially dried, then dipped again in the second liq. and opt. dipped again in the nonsolvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The envelope functions as a battery separator useful in lead-acid batteries used e.g. in cars. The process is high-speed and uses non-toxic materials. The envelope is inert to the lead-acid and battery environment, and to the strong oxidising of the positive plate. The envelope is wettable, conductive to ionic flow, and is tough and elastic to accommodate plate growth.
An electrochemical generator has, as active negative material, a metal from alkali(ne earth) metal, Mg, Al or their alloys and as positive material a substance contg. at least one ionisable salt the cation of which corresponds to at least one of the metals comprising the negative material.    The improvement is that the electrolyte used comprises a solid cpd. of formula R1CONHR(I)(R1=Me, Et, Pr, Bu or hexyl and R=H or Me when R1 is Me or H for the other definitions of R1).    ADVANTAGE -   The generator can be easily discharged at room temp. (if FR2442514).
Prodn. of an electrochemical generator electrode, the active material of which is based on polypyrrole, by anodic electrodeposition on a metallic substrate, from a soln. contg. the pyrrole monomer as well as an ionised salt, is improved by including in the soln. a surfactant in amt. of less than 6000 ppm., pref. greater than 1ppm.    Also claimed are the electrode and an electrochemical generator contg. the electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is more powerful than similar prior art ores, i.e., at an equivalent charge density, it gives back all its capacity for discharge intensities more than 10 times greater, its voltage remaining otherwise equal.
An electrical device, in which a material susceptible to decomposition when subjected to fluctuations in redox potential is fixed to a surface, has a redox matrix provided between the material and the source of the redox potential. The redox matrix comprises a polymeric matrix contg. an insulating and rectifying amt. of a dispersed redox conductor, allowing a flow of electric current to the material only at selected redox potentials.    A bifunctional air electrode for use in electrochemical energy cells comprises (a) a hydrophobic gas-permeable layer on the air side of the electrodes; (b) a hydrophilic layer contg. a catalyst for oxygen redn.; and (c) a redox matrix as above pressed to the hydrophilic layer.    USE -   The device is a catalytic electrode (claimed), e.g. with an RuO2 catalytic layer protected from decomposition.
A shield is rectangular and 2 inches or more larger than the battery, with a set of at least three holes evenly spaced along one long side. Two brackets (15) attach the shield (13) to the vehicle and each has a set of holes with the first within 1 inch of the bracket end, with screws (14) for securing the shield and brackets to the vehicle.    The shield is pref. of polycarbonate sheet at least 0.5 cm thick, and the brackets are of metal or of woven plastics material with eyelets for the screw holes.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides low-cost protection against battery explosion or emissions and is easily secured to vehicle.
Prodn. of a thin electric cell, such as alkaline cells of MnO2, comprises fitting a plastic resin annular gasket to a marginal area of a cathode terminal plate. KOH is poured into the plate and a cathode layer is formed on the plate. (J55043739-A)
A novel iron electrode consists of an active material which comprises fine iron powder, at least portions of the particles of which are coated with a permeable porous copper deposit, and which is kneaded into a porous three-dimensionally branched metallic conductor structure.    The electrode is mfd. by placing iron powder in an acid soln. of pH 4-5, progressively adding a copper salt to the soln. to form the copper deposit, kneading the coated powder into a conductive substrate, and drying compacting and heat treating the product.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is useful as an anode for an electrochemical accumulator. It has enhanced electron transfer properties due to the presence of two electron-conducting grids, i.e. the porous substrate and the copper coating. The copper coating provides improved yields for the active mass and reduced polarisation at high discharge rates.
In an ionically conductive, ion-contg. polymer prepd. from an amorphous polymer and a source of ions and having a bulk ionic conductivity at 20 deg.C and 10 kHz greater than 10 power (-6)/omega/cm, the copolymer comprises a backbone from which depends at least 1 residue of formula -(CH2CHR-O)n- n is greater than 1; R = H or (substd.) lower alkyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Claimed use is as a galvanic cell in which the polymer is the electrolyte. The polymer has better storage properties and reduced size and wt., w.r.t. liq. electrolytes, and has greater bulk ionic conductivity at ambient temp. (.eg. log10 (sigma(omega-1 cm-1)) may be greater than -5 and is often above -4.5.
A battery separator comprises a crosslinked block copolymer of a haloalkyl epoxide (I) and a hydroxyl terminated alkadiene polymer (II). The block copolymer has the formula H-O-Ab-O-B-O-Ab-O-H where A represents (I) residue and B represents (II) residue. At least 25 wt.% of the halogen groups in (I) are in the form of ammonium halide -N+R3X-where X is halogen and R is H or 1-30C alkyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The separators are used in primary and secondary batteries, esp. nickel zinc batteries. The separators have low electrolytic resistivity, low electroosmotic coefficient and high electrolyte permeability.
Conductive porous plane has three dimensional network structure and porosity of 60-80%. Thus porous body made of a resin or a metal and having three dimensional network structure is treated with fused pitch then burned to obtain porous carbon which is then placed in a reaction injection moulding ribbed cavity. Then two kinds of chemically active liqs. are used and the reaction injection moulding is carried out and resulting moulded electrode plate (ribbed) is burned. The liq. for the reaction injection moulding is pref. previously mixed with a foaming agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The produced conductive porous plane is esp. useful for a fuel cell electrode with improved fuel combustion ability, conductivity as well as corrosion resistance against electrolytes etc.
Two types of chemically reactive liqs. contg. at least either carbon powder or carbon fibre, are mixed to be moulded by reactive injection moulding, and then baked.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode for fuel cell can be produced effectively at low cost. Large sized electrodes can be produced in large numbers simultaneously without deforming under low pressure. Number of processes can be reduced.    In an example Polyol liq. A, including 30 wt.% CPB and 8 wt.% freon R-11 (RTM) and isocyanate liq.B, including 30 wt.% CPB, are moulded together for five mins. at 80 deg.C, causing 2.5 expansion ratio, and then baked for 4 hrs. at 220 deg.C in air and 4 hrs. each at 800 deg.C and 1800 deg.C in nitrogen.
Composite sheet of two laterally aligned dissimilar plastics is produced by coextruding the two plastics in molten state in side-by-side orientation so that a uniform demarcation line is formed between them. At least the melt indices of the two plastics are matched. Pref. they also have the same extrusion velocities and viscosities. Generally one of the plastics can be and is worked following coextrusion while still hot and soft. In partic. plastic sheet component is pinched and/or its surface is dimpled by passage through nip rollers. Plastic component can also be coated with some other material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Composite sheet is partic. one having a conductive mid portion bounded by non-conductive edge portions, such a sheet being suitable for use as a lightweight inexpensive electrode in a two-piece, interleaved bipolar battery assembly utilising a zinc-bromine system. The sheet doubles as a separator and spacer to reduce space, parts and costs and also serves to make the battery operate more efficiently.
A bracket has two spaced angled members (10a,b) to engage opposite upper edges of a battery (B) and interconnected by a crossbar (10c), the ends of which have an eyelet (11) and upstanding tab (12) both beyond the members. The eyelet holds a fastener (R) securing the bracket to a mounting and the tab cooperates with an L-shaped separate element (20) with tab apertures (21) in one arm (20a).    The other arm (20b) of the L has a slot (22) for a fastener securing it adjustably to the mounting. The element may be formed in two parts with arms connected by a hook and aperture to permit lateral adjustment w.r.t. the fastener. The bracket and elements are pref. mouldings of glass-filled nylon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for motor vehicle, is simple and inexpensive, easy to use and can fit various types of mountings.
Electrode for use as a -type semiconductor in a photoelectric transducer comprises Ir oxide formed by reactive sputtering of Ir or Ir oxide in 02. Pref. the film is 200-1000 Angstrom thick and is deposited on a plastic substrate, pref. acrylic resin, polyester resin, polyethylene resin or vinyl resin.    Sputtering is effected at a pressure of 0.01-1 pref. 0.1-1 torr, power 0.4 W/sq. an max. oref. 0.2-0.4 w/sq. cm., and and deposition speed 0.05-0.15 Anstrom/sec. Film has a transmittance to He-Ne laser light (633nm) of 90% or more and a resitivity of 0.01 ohm. cm or less.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a solar cell. Transparent, low resistance p-type film is obtd. at low temp. e.g. a substrate temp. of about 20-25 deg.C. (First major country equivalent to J60084716-A)
Formation of a battery separator comprises: (1) forming an aq. dispersion comprising (a) 5-20 (8-16) wt.% (by wt. of the separator) of polyolefin fibre; (b) 2-15 (8-15) wt.% of polyester fibre; (c) 0-20 (15-20) wt.% of glass fibre; (d) 40-75 (40-50) wt.% of diatomaceous earth; (e) 7-20 (15-20) wt.% of an acrylate copolymer binder; (2) stabilising the dispersion in the presence of an anionic dispersing agent to form an aq. dispersion of non-flocculated agglomerates comprising (a)-(e); (3) conveying the dispersion in (2) to a porous support for receiving it; (4) adding a cationic flocculating agent to the conveyed dispersion before delivering it to the support and (5) distributing and draining the dispersion on the support to form a wet web and then drying the web. The battery separator which is acid but not water wettable is also claimed and having a total pore volume of 70% or higher with an ave. pore size of 5-30 (14-30) u, and a resistance of 0.015 ohms/inch.2 or less.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The separators for use in maintenance free batteries are relatively inexpensive, non-cellulosic and have low ohmic resistance.    The polyester fibres are acid resistant and improve overall strength partic. puncture resistance and tear strength. The acid resistant glass fibres improve wettability and wicking action of the separator and provide improved stiffness.
Melt-extruded polymeric electrolyte material for an electro-chemical power cell is claimed. Pref. the polymeric electrolyte material comprises a plasticising agent (I) that at least inhibits change in the morphology of the polymer from an amorphous phase to a crystalline phase. The cell may also comprise a melt extruded cathode material, and a metallic anode material may be co-extruded with the electrolyte material.    Pref. (i) the dielectric constant of the (I) is greater than 20, esp. greater than 40; (ii) the electrode has a melt-extruded cathode material on the polymeric electrolyte material, esp. where the electrode is a Li metal electrode; (iii) the melt-extruded cathode material comprising polymeric material and a cathodic filler, (iv) the polymeric electrolyte is a salt-loaded polymer pref. contg. a (I) such as propylene carbonate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process permits simple automated prodn. and assembly of electrochemical power cells, using extrusion techniques which may be extended to include co-extrusion of suitable electrodes such as Li anodes.
Continuous metal electrode material is protected by an adhered flexible protective layer which becomes an electrode separator when it is used in a device and is swelled by cntact with liqs. in the device. The electrode material has pref. been deformed to increase its surface area while in contact with the protective material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for handling alkali (ne earth) electrode material, esp. Li (claimed), for assembly into cells. Protective material facilitates handling of reactive metal electrode material whilst avoiding need to remove material for device (cell) assembly.
Battery case cover (10) having a guide structure (112) engageable with the inner surface (114) of the case to locate the cover (10) on the case is welded to the case using a weld head assembly which raises the cover from the case by a distance less than the length of the guide structure (112), directly heats the confronting weld surfaces of the case ( at 592) and cover, and then brings the cover and case into engagement to effect welding of the case/cover joint.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Forming a permanent hermetic seal automatically between the cover and case of a battery, the seal being resistant to vibration, temperature extremes, and acid, The engagement between the guide structure (34) and casing (110) ensures maintenance of alignment during both heating and welding to effect a reliable strong seal.
Accumulator electrode consists of a carbonaceous electroconductive material (I) with a skeletal orientation, at least at or near the surface, with a connecting lead. (I) has an elastic modulus of more than 6.9 (pref. 6.9-380, esp. 69 to 380, partic. 138-315) GPa, i.e. at least 1 000 000, pref 1 000 000-55 000 000, esp. 10 000 000-55 000,000, partic. 20 000 000-45 000 000) psi; and undergoes a physical dimensional change of less than 5% during repeated charge and discharge cycles.    Accumulator consists of a housing with an insulating inside surface and moisture-impermeable outer surface or a laminate, which contains at least one cell and is filled with non-aq. electrolyte. Each cell has a pair of electrodes, at least one of which is as given above.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) can withstand over 100 discharge cycles with over 70% discharge level at a deg. of coulometric efficiency of over 70% without noticeable damage to its structural integrity. It is stable in the presence of anions such as perchlorate, hexafluoroarsenate etc. under ambient or normal operating temps.
Container is a block of thermally insulating material, esp. expanded polystyrene with seating chambers in the block of material to suit partic. battery sizes. These chambers may be designed either for horizontal or vertical positioning of the batteries.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The use of thermally insulating material, esp. polystyrene for storage of electrical batteries (claimed). Typically, such batteries are those that will be intermittently used, for example for blood measuring equipment, photographic cameras, alarm lights, earphone equipment, etc. By using a polystyrene block as described, the life of the battery is greatly increased, even up to 14-16 years.
Electrode body is made of an electrically conductive carbon material (I) having a skeleton orientation at least at the surface or in the vicinity of the latter, and a current collector electrically associated with the electrode.    The novel feature is that (I) has a Young's modulus greater than 6.9 GPa and undergoes a physical dimensional modification of less than 5% in the course of repeated electrical charging and discharging cycles.    Also claimed is a secondary electrical energy storage device comprising a casing having an electrically nonconducting inner surface and an outer surface or a laminar body which is impermeable to moisture, at least one cell being contd. in the casing, each cell comprising a pair of mutually electrically insulated electroconducting electrodes and the casing contg. a non aq. electrolyte. At least one of the electrodes of each cell comprises the above claimed electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) can undergo over 100 charging and discharging cycles without significant deterioration caused by sealing of (I).
Cell comprising a first electrode a polymer blend of a highly conductive polymer and a solid polymer electrolyte adjacent the first electrode; a dry solid polymer electrolyte adjacent the polymer blend; and a second electrode adjacent the dry solid polymer electrolyte.    The second electrode pref. comprises a second layer of the polymer blend and a metal electrode. The pref. highly conductive polymer in the polymer blend is polypyrrole, polyindole, polyazulene, polythiophene, polyfuran, polyacetylene or polyparaphenylene.    ADVANTAGE -   The polymer blend increases the interfacial contact between the electrode and the electrolyte and so improves the charge transfer characteristics of the cell.
A continuous metal body, pref. an alkali(ne earth) metal esp. Li, pref. for use as a cell electrode, is protected by a non-porous fluid-impermeable material which can be altered to make it fluid-permeable. Body is pref. in the form of strip of below 0.25mm pref. below 0.125 mm thickness.    Pref. protective material is a salt, a polymer, esp. polyethylene oxide, a polyolefin or a crosslinked polymer, which is removed from the electrode material by e.g. dissolving in the electrolyte, or during material deformation; the material may also be altered by heating and may form separator material in the cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Body can easily be handled e.g. assembled into cell electrode form, and then converted into working electrode material without contamination, deterioration etc.
Method for introducing electrons along with alkali metal cations into a conjugated backbone polymer comprises contacting the polymer with a cpd. of formula MR (where M=alkali metal and R=1-12C alkyl, phenyl or 7-12C alkylphenyl) to form (a) a negatively charged conjugated backbone polymer intercalated by M+ cations and (b) an organic by-product which does not react with the negatively charged polymer to reform MR.    Pref. the polymer is polyacetylene. M is Li, Na or K. R is 2-4C alkyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is useful for doping polymer electrodes in batteries, so that they can be rapidly charged electrochemically without the normal break-in period. Irreversible doping is achieved without introducing extraneous material into the electrode (cf. US4204216 and 4321114).
The electrode consists of a foil produced by rolling together (a) a dry mixt. of PTFE, as binder, and Raney Ni powder, as catalyst with (b) a Ni mesh. Pref.: (i) The Raney Ni powder is preserved against air-oxidn.. (ii) The dry mixt. contains 2-12 (5-8) wt.% PTFE. (iii) The mesh-reinforced Raney Ni layer is provided with an additionally rolled-on porous PTFE layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are used esp. for electrolysis- and fuel cells. Claimed uses are: (1) in electrolytic or catalytic nitrate removal from aq. solns., esp. the pptn. liquor of sinter electrode finishing, (2) as H2-consuming electrodes, (3) in H2/O2-fuel cells working with forced electrolyte flow, (4) in electrodialysis cells as H2 anodes and H2 cathodes, in which the H2 generated by cathodic deposition is charged to the anode for electrochemical release, and (5) in electrolytic cells as H2- and O2-sepn. electrodes. The electrodes combine low polarisation resistance, high mechanical stability and low material consumption/unit surface.
A polymer is claimed obtd. by electrochemical polymerisation of at least one selenophene monomer of formula (I). R1 and R2 = H, alkyl, alkoxy or opt. substd. aryl. The polymer is made conductive by incorporation of a dopant and is of formula (M(y+)X(-)y)nX(-) M = the monomer; X = anion of the electrolyte used for the polymerisation; y = proportion of anion w.r.t. one mole of M and n = degree of polymerisation.    Electrochemical cell is also claimed comprising a tank (1) contg. an electrolytic soln. (7) and comprising anode(s) (3) covered with a doped polymer layer (4) and a counter electrode (5), the polymer being the above claimed one.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer is stable to air and temp. and can be used in various fields such as electrochemical display devices, in batteries as active electrodes, in solar cells using the semiconducting properties of the polymers and as antistatic layers in various applications.
Removal of nitrate- and nitride residues in pptn. liquors from the prodn. of sintered electrodes for alkaline accumulators or industrial effluent waters, comprises passing the soln. to be regenerated into a slit shaped space bordered on one or both sides with hydrogen electrodes of the same type, the electrodes being fed from the rear or from the edges with hydrogen.    The hydrogen electrodes are made from a porous foil material made by rolling together a dry mixt. of PTFE and Raney Ni powder with a metal mesh fabric.    ADVANTAGE -   The process gives excellent decompsn. of nitrate residues in water according to the equation:    NaNO3 + 4H2 = NH3 + NaOH + 2H2O    with low evolution of heat and without use of electric current.
The parent patent describes how in the prodn. of microporous flat goods, permeable to water vapour, colloidal solns., showing the Tyndall effect, of film-forming polymers with tensile strength above 40 kp/square cm, Shore A hardness above 40, and softening point above 120 deg.C., in volatile organic solvents, are treated with a non-solvent for the polymer which is miscible with the solvent, which has a relative evapn. value above that of the solvent, and which is taken up to an extent of less than 50% by the polymer, by swelling, in 24 h; the non-solvent is stirred into the polymer soln. in an amt. such that after the addn. of the non-solvent the soln. transmits not more than 40% of the light, of wavelength 662 mu, transmitted by the polymer soln. not contg. the non-solvent; at least 60% of the amt. of non-solvent needed to swell the polymer soln. is used. After shaping, the solvent and non-solvent are evaporated from the mixt. In the new process, the polymer soln. is mixed with the non-solvent at the temp. at which evapn. is to take place.    Pref. the non-solvent is added to the polymer soln.. At least 10% of the amt. of non-solvent needed for swelling at the evapn. temp. is added to the polymer soln., the shaped mixt. is dipped into a bath of non-solvent, and the solvent is washed out and evaporated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process can be carried out at higher temps., with higher concns. of polymer in the soln.. The permeability to water vapour is good, and can be controlled by choice of the amt. of non-solvent. The prod. is used in coatings on textiles, fleeces, leather, wood, paper and felt, as leather substitute, and as diaphragms and separators for batteries.
An ionic/electronic composite conductor comprising interpenetrating networks of a continuous electronic conducting material and a continuous ionic conducting material. A film of an ionic/electronic composite conductor is prepd. by: (1) dissolving an ionic conducting material and an electronic conducting material in a common solvent or mixt. of solvents; (2) intimately mixing the soln; (3) casting the soln. onto a substrate; and (4) removing the solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composite is esp. useful in electrodes in solid state energy storage cells.
A carbon electrode for dry cells, of resistivity less than 0.05 ohm/cm and flexural strength greater than 25 MPa, is characterised in that the carbon is bound by means of a thermoplastic resin (I). Pref. the electrode contains at least 80 pts. wt. C for at most 20 pts. (I), the C being pref. in graphite form.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrode can be produced in high yield by extrusion, the process obviating the drawbacks of US 3405012 in which a thermosetting resin is used and the electrode is obtd. by compression moulding, batchwise, and therefore very slowly.
The capacity-conserving screen is of the separatory type for electrochemical cells, partic. the Zinc-air type. It is characterised by the incorporation of fine particles of a metallic cpd. in a polymeric film.    The pref. polymer is PVA. The cpd. can be the metal form, the oxide, or the hydroxide of one of the following elements: Mn, Ag, Ni, Co, Cd, Fe. The pref. cpd. is manganese hydroxide. The fine particles can be either in the body of the film or on its surface. The invention also applies to cells that include at least one such screen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrochemical cells lose a considerable proportion of their capacity when stored for long periods in a partially discharged condition. The present invention prevents this loss of charging capacity.
A separator having the configuration of a non-developable surface (hemispherical, finger etc.) and for use in electrochemical generators or electrolysis appts., is produced by:- (1) dipping the terminal part of an article or form having an outer surface corresp. to the surface to be given to the separator, in a soln. (pref. aq.) of a polymer comprising PVA (pref.), polyoxyethylene, polyethyleneglycol, polypropyleneglycol and/or their polycondensation prods., (2) removing the terminal part from the soln., (3) rendering the deposited soln. layer consistent, pref. either by evaporating the solvent or by dipping into a coagulation soln., and (4) sepg. the consistent layer from the terminal part.    ADVANTAGE -   Separators can be produced which can adapt perfectly on an electrode having any non-developable configuration. The separator is continuous and airtight and is free from fold or welding which could form thicker zones. Use of PVA gives a separator with excellent electronic insulation, ionic conductivity, resistance to alkaline electrolytes and impermeability to oxygen diffusion, which is partic. important for protection against corrosion by oxidn. of Zn anodes.
A shaped body made of expanded graphite powder or body made by lamination of the shaped body, is impregnated with resin, and after the resin on the surface of the body is removed by washing, the body is hardened by heating.    Specifically, the expanded graphite powder comprises material having 0.001-0.02 g/cm3 of bulk density, shaped into plate-form (having a bulk density of 1.6-1.8 g/cm3) by pressing. The shaped body is impregnated with resin by immersion for several mins. 20 hrs. Then the surface is washed with solvent (e.g. toluene) and hardened by heating at a temp. of 50-200 deg.C.    The thermosetting resin, such as phenol resin, melamine resin, melamine-modified phenol resin, epoxy resin and furan resis, is impregnated in amt. of 0.5-10 wt.% (pref. 2-7 wt.%) in the shaped body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the partition plate of fuel cell. It has high resistance to the corrosion of electric soln. high electroconductivity and high impermeability. It is prepd. inexpensively compared with the material prepd. by the use of corrosion-resistant alloy or carbonous material.
An active material for use as electrodes in lead accumulator batteries comprises a mixt. of (i) lead, lead oxide or a mixt. of lead and lead oxide, and (ii) 5-50 vol.% polyaniline (I). (I) have the formula (Ia) and may be used in the form of particles with an ave. dia. of 1-15 microns or fibres with an ave. dia. of 1-15 microns.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of (I) gives positive and negative electrodes with high capacity per unit wt. The (I) has improved oxidn. resistance in comparison e.g. with polypyrene, polyparaphenylene and polyacetylene previously used, so that batteries made using electrodes contg. (I) can be charged rapidly and withstand overcharging without deterioration.
Plate for a Pb-acid battery comprises a first layer of matrix resin and a second layer of active material, both layers contg. a conductivity additive (I) which is insoluble in H2SO4 electrolyte and has good charge-cycle stability. (I) is pref. Sn oxide, more pref. Sn oxide supported on a substrate of powder, fibres or a sintered porous sheet.    ADVANTAGE -   Plate is durable and lightweight and can be manufrd. in an efficient, continuous manner.
A sec. battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte between the electrodes where at least one of the electrodes is made from a polymer having conjugated double bonds in a main chain; the negative electrode is doped with a cation from the electrolyte and the positive electrode is doped with an anion from the electrolyte; and the negative electrode has a larger electrode surface area than the positive electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery has a long charge-discharge cycle life.
(1). Fibrous active C comprises a flexible core surrounded by an activated C layer. The core consists of a heat-resistant fibre, partic. a glass or ceramic fibre, which is stable to activating agents. The specific surface of the activated C layer is 300-3000 sq. m./g. (2). The fibrous active C is produced by: (a) coating a heat-resistant fibre or fabric with a melt or soln.-contg. a carbonisable material, e.g. pitch, thermosetting or thermoplastic resins or carbohydrates, and (b) carbonising the layer by heating in an inert atmos. and activating the C layer by heating in an atmos. contg. activating agents.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are used esp. for protective clothing but also for filters and electrodes for electrochemical cells. The prods. resist bending and buckling stress.
An electrolyte for prim. elements, contg. an electropositive iodine cpd., is prepd. by forming a melt of 1 equiv. of a polymeric or oligomeric heterocyclic cpd. with 1.2-4 mols. iodine at 115-150 deg.C, adding the required amt. of solid depolariser to the solidified electrolyte, and shaping the mixt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Use is esp. long-term provision of current for micro-electronic appts. with low power consumption. A maintenance-free electrochemical source of current is provided. The electrolyte is obtd. in high yield. The electrochemical properties of the cell, e.g. self-discharge and internal resistance are better over the entire period of operation.
Sensitive materials which are made into articles the body of which is at least partly protected by fluid-permeable protective material are made by (a) providing a body of sensitive material at least part of which is protected by relatively fluid-impermeable protective matierals, and (b) alternating the physical structure of the protective material in situ to render it relatively fluid-permeable without significantly altering its composition. The protective material is sufficiently permeable substantially to prevent the sensitive material from performing its intended end use function and requires the alteration of its structure to render it sufficiently permeable to perform that function.    ADVANTAGE -   The protective material can serve two purposes. In its fluid-impermeable state it protects the sensitive material against physical and chemical damage, whilst, after alteration into the more fluid-permeable state, it acts as a porous membrane whilst still confering some deg. of physical protection.
Electrolytic energy is removed from a vessel contg. water by an electrode, made of conductive material and submerged in the water. A non-conductive mounting supports the electrode so that it does not contact the vessel walls but a conducting lead connects the electrode to an external earth.    Typically, the electrode is a cylindrical rod which carries a projecting conductor pref. arranged as a helical fin attached to the electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode dissipates electrolytic energy to reduce scaling. The supporting members remain non-conductive despite prolonged immersion in the water.
Electrochemical cell sealed with an insulating sealing member to which has been applied a non-tacky sealant material comprising: (1) a solvent castable, film-forming thermoplastic polymer; and (2) 5-45 wt.%, pref. 10-25 wt.%, based on the sealant material, of a polymeric binder material which is liq. at room temp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sealant is esp. useful in button type cells contg. an alkaline electrolyte, for use in watches, hearing aids, cameras, etc. The non-tacky sealant provides better leakage protection and is easier to handle than the known tacky sealant.
Sealed Pb-acid battery has a separator of lower electrolyte absorption and retention than the positive or negative plates so that the plates are completely filled, but the separator includes voids to permit transport of O2 from the positive to the negative plates.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery has longer life and a high capacity to O2 absorb gases and reproduce water during overcharging, and to recover by charging after long over-discharged storage.
Sec. battery comprises a polymeric cpd. having conjugated double bonds in the main chain as the negative electrode or as the positive and negative electrodes. The electrolyte used is an ammonium salt of formula (I) where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are 1-16C alkyl gps. or 6-15C aryl gps.; with the proviso that the case where all of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same gps. is excluded, and X is an anion.    The ammonium salt may be used in the form of a mixt. with an electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The sec. battery has a high energy density, a high charging-discharging efficiency, a long cycle life, a low reduced self-discharge rate, and a good voltage levelness at the time of discharging. It is also cheap, and the wt. and size can easily be diminished
Web comprises a dry sintered sheet of a mixt. of metal-coated C fibres and metal powder in a ratio of 95:5 to 5:95. The web pref. includes a silicate and the metal is pref. Ni, Zn, Ag, Pb, Cd or Fe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As battery plates, esp. an Ni plate for an Ni-Cd battery. Structure is lightweight and has good conductivity and chemical stability.
Electrochemical solid cell is produced by the assembly, under electrical contact, of an anode contg. Li as active material, a polymeric electrolyte and a cathode present a a composite material of an incorporated electrode- or a similar active material in combination with a polymeric material.    Novelty consists in heating the anode, electrolyte and the cathode together, in intimate contact, under pressure, before or during assembling the cell together.    ADVANTAGE -   The activity of the cell during cyclic working is comparable to that of a similar cell working under an external pressure.
Copolymers of pyrrole with amino gp-contg. aromatic cpds. or pyrrole polymers prepd. by polymerisation in the presence of hydrophilic cpds. are used as electrode material in electro-chemical cells contg. (i) at least one electrode of a pyrrole polymer doped with electron-acceptors or -donors and (ii) an electrolyte inside the cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cells are partic. electro-chemical storage units, e.g. sec. batteries contg. at least 2 electrodes. The cells have low wt., high packing- and energy density, reduced self-discharge and improved storage-stability; allow a high current consumption and combine a high cycle no. with high cycle-stability.
Zn anode includes polysiloxanes of up to 6C. Amt. added is pref. a trace - 10 ppm. Si on Zn wt. for Zn anodes and 20-100 ppm for C-laced Zn anodes. Polysiloxane may be present as an electrolyte additive, a coating on the Zn anode or as an additive to the adhesive coating, the cell separator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with Zn-air button cells. The polysiloxane enhances the cell capacity.
In the prodn. of a unitary electrolyte/cathode film component for use in an electro-chemical solid cell, comprising an anode with Li as active material, a polymeric electrolyte and a cathode present as a composite material of an incorporated electrode- or a similar active material in combination with a polymeric material, novelty comprises (i) preparing a soln. of the electrolyte- or of the cathode material with heating. The polymer should dissolve easily in the solvent at the higher temp. but have little solubility in the solvent at a lower temp. and no immediate pptn. of the polymer should take place on cooling the soln. from the higher- to the lower temp. (ii) The soln. is cooled to the lower temp. and cast on a film of the other of the electrolyte- or cathode material. The solvent is then evaporated, to form a film of the electrolyte- or of the cathode material.    ADVANTAGE -   The dissolution of the electrolyte or of the cathode is prevented.
Batteries consist of redox cells connected in series, in bipolar fashion, each with 2 electrode compartments sepd. by a membrane. The novelty is that there are flexible films (I) of nonporous graphite between the electrode compartments of adjacent cells for electrodes of different polarity.    (I) is activated on both surfaces, pref. with catalytic amts. of Pb and Au.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The individual cells can be connected in series easily and cost-effectively. The batteries are esp. useful for storing solar energy.
Cell for discharge at high temp. has in a cup-shaped metal casing an inner zinc electrode and an outer silver oxide or manganese dioxide electrode, with a separator between them. The separator consists of at least two layers. The inner layer is a semipermeable ion exchange membrane. The outer is a thermally stable ceramic material. The top of the zinc electrode and the bottom of the casing are sealed by cups of plastic, pref. PTFE.    Zinc paste forms the negative electrode and is divided from the positive electrode by the separator. The layer consists of a cellophane foil between two cross-linked PE foils to act as a membrane. Layer is a ceramic paper with heat-resistant fibres. Cup seals are made of PTFE. The centre of the casing has an intentionally weak notch to confine the bursting internal pressure to 65-85 bar.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Such a cell can be produced at a reasonable cost and has a high energy density. It has a long service and shelf life.
A casing is made by hot stamping (19) metallic foil (17,18) on a tubular plastic member (12) on a support (13), covering the foil with transparent protective film (20), removing from the support and enclosing a battery by placing this in the tube and heat crimping at least one end of the member.    The member is pref. of PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidenechloride nylon, polyester, ABS or polystyrene and the coating is of PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidenechloride, polyester or nylon and is resistant to KOH. One end of the member may be heat crimped (23) before inserting the battery.
The unit has a roll holder, drawing pair of rollers for even and odd strips supply for winding and a cutting mechanism with electric knives (12) placed on levers (7) attached to shaft (6).    In order to improve strip edge quality, the lever hubs (14) are provided with a sector tooth (15) and are fitted on the shaft through an intermediate sleeve (16) with a corresponding sector tooth (18) fitted on the shaft along the cutting line.    USE -   The unit is used for roll material cutting e.g. when preparing strip separation for chemical electric current sources. Bul.41/7.11.84
Membrane consists of (1) a porous membrane having less than 0.1 micron micropores and (2) a polymer thin layer deposited on one of the sides of the porous membrane by plasma polymerisation. Pref. (2) is made from (3) monomers of fluorinated organic cpds. The thickness of (2) is 0.01-1.0 microns. (1) includes porous fluororesin, porous polycarbonate, porous cellulose ester, porous polypropylene membranes. (3) are benzotrifluoride, m-chlorobenzotrifluoride, hexafluorobenzene, pentafluorobenzene, pentafluorostyrene, or their mixts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for oxygen/water vapour sepn. in fuel cells, metal/air batteries, or oxygen sensors. Penetration of water vapour or CO2 gas bringing adverse effects to the air electrodes is effectively prevented.
The membrane comprises at least one surface coated with a thin layer of Cl mixt. of (1) metallic oxide fine particles and (2) water-soluble polymers.    (1) are hydrated metal oxides, metal oxides capable of absorbing oxygen, or rutile type metal oxides, including SnO2, ZnO, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, TiO2, SiO2.    (2) are polyhydric alcohols like PVA, polycellulose esters like CMC, polyamides, polycarboxylic acids, polyethers, or natural polymers like starch. The thickness of the thin layer is 10nm-10 microns. A composite membrane is formed by coating an aq. soln. contg. 2% Al2O3 and 2% PVA on one of the surfaces of a polypropylene porous membrane having 0.2x0.02 micron pores and a porosity of 38%. O2 permeability is 2.5 x 10 power -2 (ml/min cm2.cmHg); CO2 is 1.9 x 10 power -2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells, metal/air batteries, or air electrodes of oxygen sensors. Penetration of harmful gases like CO2 is effectively prevented.
(JP92027675-B)      Flat type cell, comprises a pair of electrodes casings. The marginal face of, at least, one cell casing contacts with a thermoplastic resin seal and has an annular part protruding and partly buried into the seal.    USE -   For dc power sources. (J60050856-A)
Sealed lead-acid battery has a venting valve adjusted o an opening pressure of 0.2-0.4 kg/sq. cm., a forcable pressure of the positive and negative plate groups adjusted to 35-60 kg/sq. dm., a housing made of polypropylene contg. filler and a container sidewall thickness of 2-4 mm.    ADVANTAGE -   Bulging of the battery housing during use is prevented, the battery has improved resistance to vibrations, and the load capacity and reliability of fastening of the lid to the container are improved.
The plate (10) comprises a resin matrix (12) contg. a dispersion of particles (14) coated with conductive Sn oxide that is insol. in H2SO4 electrolyte, has high conductivity and is thermodynamically stable during charge and discharge of the battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plate is esp. useful for bipolar electrodes. It is lightweight, has low resistance, is fluid impervious and resistant to the cell environment. It may be useful in any stacked electrochemical cell requiring conduction to an adjacent electrode or cell. In a Pb acid battery, there is very little degradation with tiem, e.g. less than 1/1000 change in 33 days, giving an estimated 20 years use until initial resistance is doubled.
Battery mfr. includes (a) providing a conventional one piece casing, having integral spaced partitions (20) extending upward from the casing bottom to define liq. tight compartments with the casing sidewalls and integral spaced rest ups (13) extending upward from the casing bottom transverse to the partitions to support lugged electrode plates; (b) establishing one opening (22) near the bottom of each partition, below the tops of the rest ups, so alternate openings are at the front and back ends of adjacent partitions between the casing sidewall and the adjacent restup; (c) introducing a mobile electrically conductive material (25) into the ends of the compartments, to below the height of the rest ups but above the level of the openings to establish a continuous bed of conductive material between the ends of adjacent compartments; and (d) placing a stack of battery plates (30,31) in each compartment with the lugs (30a, 31a) in the conductive beds, arranged so in each compartment the negative plate lugs are at one end and the positive plate lugs are at the other, so respective plates are coupled to plates in one or other of the adjacent compartments by the conductive material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple reliable connections are established between adjacent cells, esp. for Pb-acid batteries.
A selenophene monomer is dissolved in an electrolytic soln. comprising an organic solvent, a pair of electrode plates are inserted into soln., electric voltage is imparted between electrode plates, and a polyselenophene film is formed on the surface of the anode plate.    The polyselenophene has formula (I) and chemical compsn.: H(1.9%), C(37.35%), and Se(60.74%). Pref. organic solvents are acetonitrile, benzonitrile, nitrobenzene, propylene-carbonate, tetrahydrofuran or their mixt.. Pref. electrolytes are LiClO4, LiBF4, NaBG4, AgBF4, AgClO4, LiPF6, NaPF6, NaAsF6, KAsF6 or their mixt.. Electrodes are made pref. of Pt, Ni or similar metals, electroconductive glass semiconductor, etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The formed polyselenophene film has electroconductive properties and may be used as material for battery or solar battery, and in prodn. of photoelectronic elements, and electrophotographic sensitive materials.
(JP93060229-B)      Positive electrode for non-aq. solvent type cell comprises a positive electrode active material contg. thionyl chloride and polytetracyanoethylene metal complex carried on a positive electrode base made of an alkali metal.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J60049507-A)
A battery with partitions forming cells and a lid (12) sealing the cells is made by forming cutouts (16) in the partitions (14) to receive links (18), interconnecting the plates in adjacent cells, mounting the plates in the cells, sealing with viscous epoxy resin around the links, applying viscous epoxy resin to the lid around the body contour, fitting the lid and allowing the resin to cure.    The lid and container are pref. heat-treated before applying the resin to improve adhesion. The lid may have projecting pips (20) for centering on the container and to act as guides for the resin which is sufficiently viscous not to need channels to hold it in place.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For lead-acid batteries, using casings designed for heat-welding, but eliminating the need for expensive welding equipment so that smaller prodn. runs are viable.
A galvanic element with a positive and a negative electrode, at least one of which consists of an organic polymer made conductive by doping, contains a liq. electrolyte which is a soln. of a conductivity salt in an aprotic inorganic solvent.    Suitable solvents are thionyl chloride, sulphuryl chloride, phosphoryl chloride or esp. liq. SO2.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of an inorganic electrolyte in the cell gives a high energy density and allows the cell to be charged with high current strengths.
Cell comprises in an operative relationship (a) a cathode current collector; (b) an ionically conductive, liq. cathode-electrolyte soln.; and (c) an active metal anode, the anode having on its surface which contacts the cathode-aelectrolyte a polyether or polyethersulphone film.    Pref. (a) is porous carbon. (b) comprises a solute, esp. lithium aluminium chloride, dissolved in a liq. active cathode depolariser of a Gp. V or VI element, esp. thionyl chloride. (c) is lithium or a Gp. IA, IIA or III metal or its alloys. The film has a thickness of 0.0001-0.01 in and may also be polyethylene oxide or a mixt. of polyethersulphoneand polyethylene oxide.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell passivation is reduced along with self-discharge in liq. cathode-electrolyte cells. Cell reliability and safety are enhanced as the anode coating is more resistant to degradation of dissolution than materials of prior art. /0
Carbon thin plates are obtd. by curing and calcining moulded thin plates from (1) cellulose fibres impregnated with (2) thermosetting resins, or (3) carbon fillers.    (1) are made of paper esp. filter paper with high content of fibrous cellulose. (2) are phenol, furan, or their blended resins. The moulded thin plates are cured by pressing the plates between graphite plates under 1-1000g/cm2 for 3-20 h, then calcining the cured plates with the graphite plates at 800-1200 deg.C for 50-400 h. The mixing ratio of (2)/(1) is 100/25-100/70 (100/30-100/40) by wt. (3) have a particle size of less than 74 (2-74) microns. The content of (3) is 3-25 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   The moulded thin plates have reduced crack and shrinkaqe.The formed carbon thin plates have an improved electric resistance.
Prodn. comprises moulding under pressure and heat, a mixture of uniformly surface-oxidised, less than 100 mesh dia. coke powders or graphite fine powder (fillers) and prim. condensates of thermosetting resins having a residual carbon content of 40% (binders); and calcining the resulting mouldings in an inert atmos..    The fillers are artificial graphite formed by carbonising, e.g., coke at 2800-3000 deg. C or natural graphite, which are pulverised into powder and then surface-oxidised by heating in an oxidative atmos. (air) at higher than 500 deg. C or using nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, or potassium permanganate soln.. The thermosetting resins are phenol or furan resins. The mixing ratio is 14-40 pts. wt. binders per 100 pts. wt. fillers. Moulding is at 120-270 deg. C and 100-800 Kg/cm2. Calcination is at 900-1300 deg. C, and if necessary, at 2800-3000 deg. C to carbonise the mouldings.    USE -   Materials obtd. are used for separators in phosphoric acid electrolyte fuel cells.
Gelling agents consist of polymers or copolymers contg. more than 50 wt.% acrylic acid and its salts and/or acrylamide.    The polymers or copolymers are formed from hydrophobic or hydrophilic monomers like methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, styrenesulphonic acid, N,N'-diethylamino ethyl(metha)acrylate, or their salts, or methacylamide; methylacrylate; styrene,vinyltoluene, vinylidene chloride, or acrylonitrile. Opt. other monomers capable of being crosslinked with the polymers or copolymers can be used, including divinylbenzene or N-methylol acrylamide. The molecular wt. of the polymers or copolymers is more than 500,000 (1000,000). The agents can be applied to 1-98% sulphuric acid, sulphuric anhydride, fuming sulphuric acid, or chlorosulphonic acid.    USE -   To solidify electrolyte of lead-acid batteries, or waste sulphuric acids.
Prodn. of a sinterable, fine-particle PVC moulding compsn. by homo-, CO- or graft suspension polymerisation of VC monomer in presence of an oil-soluble free-radical initiator, a suspension stabiliser, emulsifier and opt. other polymerisation aids. After ending the polymerisation and sepg. the bulk of the polymer a non-ionic or amphoteric wetting agent is added before drying.    The process novelty claimed is the addn. at this stage of an aq. soln. of a non- surface active acid with an acid dissociation constant up to 3 pKs at 20 deg.C.. Pref. 0.01-5 wt.% on dry polymer of a phosphorus or sulphur contg. acid, esp. P contg. acid, with low volatility at 120 deg.C. is added after sepg. the greater part of the polymer from the aq. phase after polymerisation has ended.    The polymer has a K-value =55-90, bulk density =400-700g/cdm, and a particle distribution of 99-30 wt.% less than 33 microns, 1-60 wt.% 33-63 microns, 0-9 wt.% 63-125 microns and 0.1 wt.% greater than 125 microns.    Sintered shaped articles esp. separator plates for electric cells are claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Polymer powder is more easily handled and conveyed, and properties are less degraded on processing (sintering) in the presence of air at 180-250 deg.C.. The absence of heavy metals Cr, As, or Te from the acids used improve the performance of the cell separators, which also have good colour and improved mechanical properties. /0
Assembly comprises a separator assembly having a first pocket, composed of two superimposed strips of separator material and having an adherable edge, and a second pocket, composed of two superimposed strips of separator material and having an adherable edge, the second pocket being superimposed over the first pocket such that the adherable edges are aligned with at least a portion of the adherable edges adhered; a first electrode disposed in the first pocket; and a second electrode disposed in the second pocket; the electrode assembly coiled about an axis transverse to the adhered edges such that the adhered edges are in a plane which is normal to the coiling axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Coiled electrode assembly for use in galvanic cells which has ends having a uniform appearance such that cells which employ such assemblies are less likely to be produced with torn separators.
Polymer 16 6/4 PP21 02 P---4116 11 b) is PP22 02 5 US3853815 PP23 01
In the prodn. of an electrode membrane unit for H2/Br2 cells, consisting of catalyst (I) and a cation exchange membrane of perfluorosulphonated PTFE (II), (I) powder is suspended in a soln. of 5-15 wt.% PVC (w.r.t. (I)) in an organic, water-miscible solvent, and applied to the surface of the water-moistened membrane.    The solvent is THF and the soln. contains 1-5 wt.% PVC. (I) is Pt on charcoal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit has a firm bond between the (I) layer and the membrane, preventing flaking off during operation of the cell. The cells are useful as storage and fuel cells.
The polymer, having K value 58-70, bulk density 0.4-0.7 g/cc, plasticiser absorption 8-20 wt.% DOP, average grain size 10-50 microns, less than 5% grain over 63 microns, and heat stability more than 30 mins., is prepd. by polymerising vinyl chloride in aq. suspension at 310-350 deg. K, using suspension stabilisers and oil-sol. initiators, to 70-90 wt.% conversion, releasing the pressure to a residual pressure of vinyl chloride monomer of 0.01-0.1 MPa, adding 0.5-10%, w.r.t. vinyl chloride homopolymer, of vinyl acetate, and copolymerising under conditions of gel phase graft polymerisation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer can be processed to separator plates with electrical surface resistant less than 20 m ohms/square dm, and good wettability with H2SO4 (claimed). The plates are partic. for Pb accumulators.
Appts. and method forusing the ends of battery cell terminal posts and the ends of bollow bushings fixed in the plastic cover of a battery being assembled and within which the terminal posts are concentrically disposed.    The apparatus has a pair of induction heating coils which each concentrically support a mould cavity insert to receive the ends of the terminal posts and bushings (22) to be used and a ferrite insert to concentrate induced current in the ends of the terminal posts and bushings on energisation of the coils. An electrical control selectively generates a radio-frequency oscillating current in the coils to effect heating, melting and fusion of the ends of the terminal posts and bushings to consistent fusion depths while the plastic battery case remains substantially uneffected. The control instantaneously energises the inductance heating coils to a first power level, maintains such power level for a first predetermined period for melting the ends of the terminal posts and bushings and then gradually decreases the power level in a uniformly controlled manner for a second period to produce finished fused terminals with good surface appearance.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits quick automated fusion of the terminal posts and cover bushings while reliably effecting proper fusion depths of the finished terminals, preventing cover melting or damage.
New derivs. of polycarbon sulphides have formula (RxCSm)n (I). R = H, an alkali metal (esp. Li, Na, K) or a transition metal (e.g. Ag, Zn, Cu Co or similar); x = O to the valency of the metal; m = 0-1; n = number of units in the polymer chain.    R = Li, Na or a transition metal; x = O. I may be in the form of a copolymer with a polyacetylene, of formula ((CH)p(RxCSm)1-p)n (II). p = between O (excluded) and 1.    USE -   Electrodes for use in electrochemical generators, comprising I and a binder, e.g. a polymer. Appln. of the electrodes, when x = O, for selective recovery of transition metals, esp. in industrial effluents, is also claimed.
An alkaline battery comprising an alkaline electrolyte, positive and negative electrodes, has a separator interposed between the electrodes and permeated by the electrolyte but which is substantially impermeable to gaseous O2, the separator comprising a cross linked copolymer consisting of 1-99 mole % vinyl alcohol units and 99-1 mole % carboxylic acid units, the crosslinked copolymer being formed by (i) polymerising a vinyl ester (I) and an unsaturated carboxylic acid (II) or ester or anhydride of this, to form a vinyl ester-carboxylic acid or ester copolymer, (ii) hydrolysing the copolymer to form a vinyl alcohol-carboxylic acid copolymer and (iii) cross linking the vinyl alcohol-carboxylic acid copolymer.    ADVANTAGE -   The separators have excellent oxygen barrier and zincate barrier properties, low electrical resistivity, and are insoluble in water. Use of the separators gives alkaline batteries with enhanced performance.
Prepn. of an electrically conducting solid polymeric compsn. from a polymer (A) having repeating units of formula:    ( = CH - Y - CH = N - Z - N = )    In which Z = a divalent gp. derived from benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, diphenylmethane, azobenzene, anthraquinone, pyridine, acridine or stilbene; and Y = divalent gp. derived from benzene; by treating with a p-type or n-type dopant.    Specifically, Z = gp. derived from 1,4-substd. benzene, 4,4'-substd. biphenyl, 4,4'-substd. stilbene or 4,4'-substd.-diphenylmethane; and Y = gp. derived from 1,4-substd. benzene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymeric compsn. has potential use in batteries and solar cells. The polymeric compsn. provides lower wt. and greater design scope than metals and has greater air stability than known electrically conducting polymer compsns..
Prepn. of an electrically conducting solid polymeric compsn. from a polymer (A) having repeating units of formula    ( = CH- CH = N - A - N =)    In which A = a divalent gp. derived from benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, azobenzene, pyridine, acridine or stilbene; by treating with a p-type or n-type dopant. Specifically A = gp. derived from 1,4- substd. benzene.    Pref. n-type dopants are alkali metal salts of aromatic radical anions. Pref. p-type dopants are chlorine, bromine, iodine, SbF5, AsF5, PF5, AgX, NO2X and NOX, X = an unreactive, non-nucleophilic anion. The pref. mole ratio of dopant : polymer is up to 5.    The polymer (A) is pref. prepd. by reacting equimolar amounts 1,1,2,2-tetrahaloethane and diaminobenzene, diaminonaphthalene, diaminoanthracene, diaminodiphenyl, diaminoazobenzene, diaminopyridine, diaminoacridine or diaminostilbene, in a dipolar aprotic solvent in the presence of a base to remove formed acid and at 20 - 100 deg. C. The pref. reactants are 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane and 1,4-diaminobenzene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymeric compsn. has potential use in batteries and solar cells. The polymeric compsn. provides lower wt. and greater design scope than metals and has greater air stability than known electrically conducting polymeric compsns..
(JP92044387-B)      Cell comprises a cell casing having a cap to close an opening of the casing through packing. The packing covers the entire marginal edge of the cap and the lower face of the packing is on the inner bottom face of the casing.    Used for Li cells. (J60035452-A)
Rechargeable cell comprises: a positive electrode of Mn oxide and Pb and/or Bi; a negative electrode of Zn; an alkaline electrolyte; and a zincate ion-impermeable separator. Electrolyte is pref. an organic material and an alkali hydroxide, pref. methanol/KOH. Separator pref. comprises polyethylene, SiO2 and mineral oil formed into a thin sheet, and is specifically 'Daramic' (RTM).    ADVANTAGE -   Use of the above separator to suppress zincate ion concn. in the Mn oxide material permits an enhanced no. of recharge cycles.
Plastics electrode secondary battery comprises within a container: 2 polyacetylene membrane electrodes sepd. by a separator, two auxiliary electrodes (positive and negative) bonded respectively to the positive and negative electrodes on the surfaces remote from the separator and an electrolyte consisting of an aq. soln. of LiClO4 in propylene carbonate.    A film of gold is deposited on the surface of the positive electrode adjacent to the auxiliary positive electrode and a film of Al is deposited on the surface of the negative electrode adjacent to the auxiliary negative electrode. The electrodes each consist of a bonded laminate of a number of polyacetylene membranes. The polyacetylene membranes are so arranged that the surface density of the outer membranes adjacent to the auxiliary electrodes is greater than that of the inner membranes adjacent to the separator. The no. of polyacetylene membranes in the electrode is less than the no. of polyacetylene membranes in the laminated negative electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Undesirable reactions occurring in a prior art battery with plastics electrodes are eliminated by provision of the auxiliary electrodes.
Storage device (10) comprises a pair of spaced electrodes (11, 13) having electricity storage means sandwiched between them. The storage means comprises an oxidn.-redn. polymer, an ohmic contact material and a reducing agent. A compsn. for storing electrical energy comprising lignin, a hydrazine cpd. and graphite is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reducing agent renders the polymer more anodic and facilitates contact between the polymer and the graphite so that cheap lignin can be used as the polymer in the rechargeable battery.
(JP92030142-B)      Process comprises treating a polyolefin fluoride porous film with a soln. of alkali metal-aromatic hydrocarbon complex or liq. ammonia soln. of Na and irradiating ionising radiation on the film.    USE -   Used for making alkali cells. (J60032247-A)
An oxygen electrode, for alkaline galvanic elements, consists of a catalyst-contg. carbon layer, a current collector and a separator for separating a liq. space from a gas space such that gas can pass through the carbon layer to the liq. but liq. cannot enter the gas space.    The novelty is that the current collector consists of a metal mesh at least partially embedded inthe carbon layer.    Also claimed is prodn. of the oxygen electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of a mesh instead of the usual sintered material as current collector gives minimal coverage of the active catalyst surfaces and minimal current path from the catalyst layer, resulting in power outputs of 350 mA/sq.cm. and over 1 A/sq.cm. in the air and oxygen respectively (independently of temp. in the range 20-80 deg.C) and constant potential under load over an extended period.
Cell comprises cathode (12), anode (10) and electrolyte housed in a container (6) having a cover (2). The cover (2) is sealed to the container (6) by a non-conductive gasket (16). At least part of the sealing surface of the gasket (16), container (6) and/or cover (2) is coated with an adherent layer of polymer (8) no thicker than 2000 A. The polymer contains C, H and optionally O, N, S or P or is an organometallic cpd., and has been deposited by plasma polymerisation or sputtering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer layer (8) improves the seal given by gasket (16), preventing egress of electrolyte.
A method of making a lithium and conductive plastic laminate comprises (a) exposing a fresh surface of unreacted Li metal; and (b) contacting directly the fresh surface with a sheet of conductive plastic to effect adhesion between the two without an adhesive adjunct. (b) is carried out under pressure and at a temp. lower than the m.pt. of Li. Also claimed is the prodn. of Li anodes which comprises extruding metallic Li through a die, producing a thin sheet having freshly exposed surfaces and then following the above method.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mfr. of Li cells and more partic., Li anodes, is simplified. These anodes are used to make Li batteries of one or more cells, which are used in watches and hearing aids.
The material comprises a non-stoichiometric electrode active material forming a redox pair with the battery electrolyte, with the non-stoichiometric characteristic provided by an electrically conductive polymer. The polymer is a ligand resulting in a metal ion or negative ion vacancies less than 0.1%. It is present as 2-5 wt.%, based on the electrode-active material. The electrode also includes a binder.    Also disclosed are (I) Ni-Co electrodes (as above), contg. 5 mole % Co, and doped with Tl when used opposite an Fe electrode; and (II) Pb oxide electrodes, where the polymer is a high molecular wt. (over 10,000) polyacetylene, also include Bi or Sb as 0.001-0.000,01 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode material is useful in anode and cathode electrodes for primary or secondary batteries. The polymer improves proton or ion conductivity. The electrodes may be used in conjunction with aq., non-aq., solid state or molten salt electrolytes. The electrodes materials have large capacities, high rate discharge capability, high utilisation and are durable during continued charge discharge cycles.
A sealed galvanic cell, having cathodic material, anodic material and an electrolyte housed in a container (6) having an open end, has a cover (2) closing the open end with a nonconductive gasket (16) compressed between the cover and container. The gasket has first and second surfaces in interfacial sealing contact with the container and cover respectively. A layer (4,8) of plasma deposited F ats., only a monolayer thick, is bound to (part of) one or both sealing surfaces to increase resistance to electrolyte leakage.    ADVANTAGE -   The plasma deposited F atoms provide electrolyte leakage resistance to surfaces of polymers exhibiting lower tendency to cold flow than more expensive fluoro-polymers. The monolayer is more resistant to cracking or peeling under cell assembly pressure than thicker layers.
Element for galvanic cells seals by crimping comprises a thermoplastic material comprising 5-45 wt.% filler, chemically compatible with the electrolyte to be used in the cell. The element has a degassing zone which can break, of reduced thickness w.r.t. the thickness of the material surrounding the degassing zone. The thermoplastic material is polypropylene (preferred), polyethylene or their copolymers and the filler is talc, CaCO3 or mica, pref. talc in an amount of 15-40 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used esp. for alkaline primary cells. The closure element permits the escape of gaseous excess pressure hydrogen from the cell without loss of electrolyte liquid.
Battery comprises an anode and cathode in a casing which is closed at one end and open at the other features a closure for the casing consisting of a moulded thermoplastic body and metallic disc fitted over the body with a space between the body and disc. The body has an inward facing shoulder around its periphery, subtended by a discontinuous skirt composed of separate pieces extending downwards and outwards. The disc has a central opening which is fitted with an interference fit over a central boss on the upper side of the plastics body. The disc has at least one opening to allow the equalisation of pressure between the outside and the space between the body and disc.    ADVANTAGE -   Closures are fitted elastically into the casings and will stay in place even when assembled at high speed. They are strong and can be mnfrd. easily and cheaply. More active material can be contained in the battery, giving longer life. H2 is able to permeate out of the battery, even when it is upside down.
The cement compsn. is pref. prepd. by addn. of 1-15 pts.wt. of kaolinic Roseki to 100 pts.wt. of Portland cement.    In further detail the kaolinic Roseki consists of 56-82.5 wt.% quartz, 17-40 wt.% kaolinite and 0.5-4 wt.% pyrophyllite.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsn. has good bonding properties to hardened concrete constructions or mortar constructions. Useful as the repairing cement for the cracks formed in concrete constructions (e.g. piers or bridge) or as the filler in the voids of concrete constructions or as the finishing material of the surface of concrete or mortar wall. Exfoliation and crack formation after hardening are minimal.    An example consists of 4.0 pts.wt. Portland cement, 6.0 pts.wt. silica sand, 0.35 pts.wt. hardening accelerator (e.g., water glass, sodium aluminate), 0.30 pts.wt. hardening modulator (e.g., alum, sugar) and 0.35 pts.wt. kaolinic Roseki.
(JP93060236-B)      Producing sealant for sealing end of fuel cell comprises rolling a mixt. of a fine powder filler, fine powder bulk material, solvent and fluororesin powder into a sheet, then heat treating it to remove the bulk material.    USE -   Used for making matrix type fuel cells. (J60014766-A)
Iodine doped conductive polyacetylene is stabilised in a deaerated aqs. soln. by chloride ions at a concn. greater than 0.5M in the soln.    Pref. concn. of chloride ions in the soln. is above 1.0M.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polyacetylene soln. is used in light weight rechargeable storage batteries. The chloride ion reduces the rate of loss of conductivity to less than that of the doped polyacetylene in argon.
(JP92021988-B)      Fuel cell comprises unit cells and separator sheets alternately laminated; the separator sheet having thick-walled rib-like partition parts rising from the side edges of the upper and lower sides of the sheet.    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J60100565-A)
Carbon black for cell contains carbon powder which is produced by heating a mixt. of organic high polymer and/or bitumen and which has the following properties: pH above 9; specific surface area 40-70 sq.m/g; iodine absorption number 50-80 mg/g.    ADVANTAGE -   The dry cell using the carbon black exhibits a good ability in continuous and intermittent discharge.    In an example, 30 pts.wt. vinyl chloride resin, 100 pts.wt. acetylene black, and 180 pts.wt. water were mixed and the mixed was granulated by a granulating machine. The resulting granules, after drying were heated at 1300 deg.C for 1 h. in a nitrogen atmos. to give carbon powder. The properties of the -owder so obtd. were as follows: hydrochloric acid absorption 16.5 cc/5g; pH 9.8; specific surface area 50 sq.m/g; iodine absorption number 65 mg/g.
(JP92012584-B)      Separator comprises a laminate of a polypropylene fibre nonwoven web of 0.01-0.1 denier and alkali resistive fibre nonwoven web. The thickness ratio of the former web to the latter is 1:1-3:1.    USE -   For making alkaline batteries. (J60009056-A)
An electrochemical cell or battery contains at least 2 electrodes, at least 1 of which contains as active electrode material an electrochemically oxidisable and/or reducible polymer which, in the oxidised and/or reduced state, has electrical conductivity greater than 0.1/ohm/cm, and has as electrolyte a soln. of suspension of an ionic or ionisable cpd. as conducting salt, in at least 1 uncross-linked dimer and/or oligomer of a heterocyclic cpd. as inert solvent.    ADVANTAGE -   The cells and batteries have higher packing and energy density, lightweight, reduced self-discharge, improved stability on storage and highest possible current consumption, and show little change in current consumption and tension after repeated discharge and re-charge.
Electrochemical storage element or battery contains, as ionic or ionisable cpd. in the electrolyte, a cpd. of formula:    (XAX) (+) Y (-) (I)    X=monomeric organic C-H acid cpd. contg. at least one heteroatom or a dimer formed by oxidative dehydrogenated coupling of the cpd.. A=H, alkali metal or ammonium cation, X=an anion, pref. selected from I3-, Br-, ClO4-, NO3- and PF6-.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of cpd. (I), as electrolyte salt in electrochemical storage elements or batteries contg. electrochemically oxidisable and /or reducible polymers as positive and negative active electrode materials, allows the elements or batteries to be assembled in the unchanged state, gives high energy and power density after charging, and give high stability and cycling stability.
A fuel cell comprises (i) a pair of spaced apart gas diffusion electrodes; (ii) a porous electrolyte-retaining matrix confined in the space between the electrodes, the matrix having a porosity of at least 38% and consisting of 70-90 wt.% silicon carbide and a balance of polyether sulphone as binder; and (iii) phosphoric acid electrolyte disposed within the matrix.    Pref. the polyethersulphone consists essentially of repeating units -p-C6H4-SO2-p-C6H4-O- and has a number ave. mol. wt. of at least 17,000, esp. at least 25,000. The electrolyte-retaining matrix pref. comprises 70-90 wt.% silicon carbide and 10-20 wt.% polyethersulphone.    ADVANTAGE -   The porous silicon carbide/polyethersulphone materials have improved strength and good wettability and bubble pressure characteristics compared to prior art materials.
An extrusion moulded polyolefin resin sheet is pressed, while it is in fused state, to a glass mat to form an integration. Then, at least one component of the sheet is extruded by solvent.    Use of this method avoids peeling-off the polyolefin resin sheet and eliminates problem of short-circuiting. (J54143826-A)
The process comprises sintering, in non-oxidative atmos., porous synthetic resin materials having open cells and prepd. by curing a mixed soln. of 20-50 wt. % (solid content) liquid phenol resin (1), 8-30 wt. % reactive phenol resin powder or particles (2), 0.5-4 wt. % PVA (3), and a cell-forming agent (4) with a hardener (5).    Pref. (1) is water-soluble resol. Pref. (2) are prim. spherical particles having a mean particle size of 1-150 microns and their sec. particles. (2) are the condensates of phenols and formaldehyde. (4) are starch, organic fine powders, or water-soluble metallic salts. (5) include hydrochloric, oxalic, lactic or formic acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The carbon materials having uniform and fine open cells are useful as electrode materials of fuel cells or sec. batteries.
Membranes comprise (1) one layer contg. cation exchange gps. on pendant chains and (2) other layer contg. anion exchange gps. on the pendant chain, and (3) main chain comprising perfluoro-carbon polymers.    Pref. cation exchange gps. include sulphonic acid gps. and/or carboxylic acid gps. and the anion exchange gps. include quat. ammonium gps. Pref. (1) and (2) comprise repeating units of formula (I) and (II) respectively. (X is F or CF3; Y is SO3M or COOM (M: an alkali metal); l : 0 or 1-5; m: 0 or 1; n: 1 or 2-5; p and q: positive numbers, p/q: 2-16; Z: a quaternary ammonium gp.-contg. gp.). (1) and (2) are pref. 5-300 micron thick. The membranes are plane film or tubular.    ADVANTAGE -   The membranes resist repetition of drying and swelling and are not released and have chemical and solvent resistance. They are used as separators for fuel batteries and for hydrolysis of salt solns.
(JP93016139-B)      Cell comprises a fine powder of polyethylene deposited on the entire surface of a separator immersed in a non-aqueous electrolyte liq., the powder dissolved as the temp. rises.    USE -   For protecting the cell from short circuiting. (J58000052-A)
15-23 pts. wt. heat-curable resin initial condensn. prod. having benzene or furan rings in its basic structuring molecule (e.g., phenol resin, furan resin etc.) is added and kneaded with 100 pts. wt. graphite micropowder (real specific gravity of at least 2.20, heat expansion coefft. of up to 4.0 deg. C x 10 power 5 microns). The resulting mixt. is hot-pressure moulded by (pref. at 120-270 deg. C and 100-800 kg/cm2), and burned in an inert atmos. The particle size of the graphite micropowder is pref. up to 100 mesh and the heat-curable resin initial condensation prod. pref. has at least 40% carbon residue. The heat pressure moulded body is pre-heated at 180-300 deg. C in air before burning.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The obtd. gas impermeable carbonaceous material is used as a separator for phosphoric acid type fuel cells, chlorine/zinc type sec. cells, etc. or as structuring material for various chemical instruments.
A solid polymeric electrolyte is made by complexing an alkali metal salt with a polymer capable of existing in an amorphous state converting the polymer to an amorphous state, if not already amorphous, and crosslinking the amorphous complexed polymer. All steps are carried out under dry conditions.    The polymer is polyethylene oxide, polyethylene sulphide or a polyester. The alkali metal salt is a sodium or lithium salt, e.g. LiClO4, F3CSO3Li, LiBF4 or LiASF6.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is used in batteries. Exclusion of water from the reagents and during preparation of the electrolyte avoids a reduction in conductivity over time.
Plastified Cd electrode for electrochemical generator is mfd. by applying a paste through its complete thickness to a metallic network structure with completely open porosity. The network consists at least superficially of Ni and is 0.5-3 mm. thick. The pore dia. is about 0.7-0.8 mm. The active material introduced into the matrix network is a paste comprising CdO and a plastifier, esp. Teflon (RTM) (PTFE) and an alcohol as diluent.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrode exhibits improved performance.
Separator comprises a sheet contg. thermofusible material rolled into a tube and fixed to the battery at its upper and lower circular edges by heat sealing.    Pref. separator (10) of polystyrene sheet rolled into a cylindrical tube is disposed around the negative material (22) of a battery and within the positive material (26). Battery has a cylindrical positive casing (26) and a negative cap (30) fixed to the casing by an insulating seal (28). A bar (32) welded to the cap extends within the negative material, and an insulating disc (18) seals the end of the separator remote from the cap. The upper and lower extremities (16) of the separator are fused respectively to the seal (28) and the disc (18).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sepg. the positive and negative electrolytes of an alkaline cell. The separator has high rigidity.
The capacitance of battery electrodes of sec. batteries with electrode structures of metallised propylene (co)polymer fibres, is improved by up to 15% irreversible compression of the structures, in the direction of the thickness, before impregnation with the active compsn., using a device which has a surface temp. of 110-180 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Polarisation is lower and there is little potential drop. Electrodes with uniformly reproducible thickness can be obtd. Cells contg. the electrodes are less likely to short circuit.
Galvanic cell comprises cylindrical container (16) filled with electrochemically active ingredients having open end with inwardly turned peripheral edge portion (22) crimped at 85-95 deg. relative to an upstanding wall (20) and a closure member (2) comprising a resilient annular flange (4) and sealing lip (6). The flange has an outer circumferential notch (12) which receives the inwardly turned peripheral edge portion of the container. The lip has an inner face with a circumferential groove (14) and acts with ther peripheral edge portion of the container to form a resealable venting means, build up of pressure within the cell beyond a predetermined limit causing the lip to momentarily deflect to release the pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cell is designed to enable build up of internal pressure to be released to prevent leakage, bulding, or rupture. The venting means is resealable in order to prevent the cell from drying out or oxygen entering and corroding the anode. The venting means is simple and requires a minimum number of parts making it easy to assemble and inexpensive to mfr. It requires no internal parts or a large crimp radius which would result in the cell volume not being fully utilised.
An electrochemical cell comprises (a) an oxidisable anode material; (b) a cathode current collector fabricated from a mixt. of C, Cu sulphide and a binder adhered to an inert, electrically conductive substrate; and (c) an electrolytic soln. of reducible liq. cathode material and dissolved electrolyte solute contacting the anode and cathode current collector.    The cathode current collector has a wt. ratio Cu sulphide:C of 3:7-7:3, pref. 4:6-6:4, esp. 1:1. The mixt. is an intimate mixt. of C black, Cu sulphide and thermoplastic polymer, esp. PTFE. The anode is alkali or alkaline earth metal, esp. Li. The reducible liq. cathode is a fluid oxyhalide, fluid nonmetallic oxide and/or fluid nonmetallic halide, esp. thionyl chloride.    ADVANTAGES -   The cell has improved discharge capability, esp. at high current density, e.g. at 200 mA/cm2, capacity increased from 5.3 to 13.3mAh/cm2 and load voltage increased from 2.65 to 2.82V by using pref. mixt. instead of C binder as a cathode current collector.
Bushing for sealing a post to a battery cover is a lead annulus (12) with hollow interior complementary to the post (16) and an external annular groove. A synthetic material mantle (20) is moulded about the annulus exterior and extends below it where there is a seal on the mantle exterior for sealing to the cover, the mantle region adjacent to the annulus having a smooth exterior.    The lower part of the mantle pref. has an inwardly tapered opening for guiding the bushing onto the post, and the seal is one or a pair of fluorinated rubber O-rings (60) located in respective grooves in the mantle. The mantle is pref. of polypropylene and has an outward annular flange (24) at its top. The bottom of the mantle may be curved and the cover have a depending sealing sleeve with an inward flange having a curved interior surface complementary to the mantle bottom.    ADVANTAGE -   Secure sliding seal suitable for automated mfr.
Separator comprises a tubular body formed by winding a sheet of separator member around itself. The sheet of separator member contains a thermally fusible material and being thermally melted and fixed at the upper and lower end portions thereof along the circular peripheries of the tubular body. The mfg. direction of weaving direction of the sheet of separator member is so arranged to run parallel to the direction of winding axis of the sheet of separator member. (First major country equivalent to J59230256-A)
Mfr. comprises (i) a first step where (a) an electrolyte and (b) an organic high molecular cpd. are blended in (c) a low b.pt. organic solvent and heated and stirred to form a soln., (ii) a second step where (d) a high b.pt. organic solvent is blended in the soln. obtd. and heated and stirred to form a mixt.; and (iii) a third step where the mixt. is evapd. to remove low b.pt. organic solvent (c) to form an ion-conductive film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ion-conductive thin film may easily be obtd. The amt. of high b.pt. organic solvent to remain in the final prod. of the ion-conductive film may easily be regulated, by controlling the amt. to be fed in (ii). Reproducibility of the film prods. is good. The films may be used in batteries, etc.
Pyrrole or N-alkylpyrrole is electrochemically polymerised and simultaneously doped. Cu or a material more anodic than Cu is used as an anode. Doped and amorphous polypyrrole or poly-N-alkylpyrrole electroconductive material is obtd. in the form of a powder.    Typical materials which are more anodic than Cu are Fe, Sn, Ni, stainless steel etc. Pref. solvents are those of high specific inductive capacity of 5.0 or more, pref. 30 or more, e.g. acetonitrile (SIC: 37.5) and propylene carbonate (SIC:64.4). Doping agents are supporting electrolytes such as Li tetrafluoroborate, Li perchlorite, tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate, tetraethylammonium perchlorite, tributylammonium benzenesulphonate, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Powdery electroconductive materials may directly be formed on anode. These may be added to non-electroconductive polymers in order to impart electro conductivity, or may be shaped. The materials are esp. useful for electrode materials for sec. battery or as materials for semiconductor elements.
(JP92014467-B)      Positive electrode for Zn-Br cell comprises a high- density polyethylene type resin base block and conductive fluoro resin layer formed on the surface of the base block. The resin cpd. contg. carbon black with grafted polymerising vinyl monomers.    USE -   Used for improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction of the cell. (J59215668-A)
Sec. battery consists of an anode and a cathode, either or both of which comprises a polymer (I) having conjugated unsaturation along its backbone chain and which is electrochemically oxidisable to a p-type doped material and electrochemically reducible to an n-type doped material; and an electrolyte comprising a protic solvent (II) and at least one ionic dopant (III) capable of doping (I) to a conductive state.    Pref. (II) is water, alcohols or amines. (I) is pref. polyacetylene or polyphenylene. (III) is an anion, e.g. halide, polyhalide, ClO4, PF6, HSO4, AsF6, AsF4, SO3CF3 or BF4; or a cation e.g. a metal with Pauling electronegativity less than 1.6 (esp. Li), or an organic cation of N, P, As, O or S. When not made of (I) the anode is pref. an alkali metal or Pb. When electrodes are both of (I) the anode is n-doped to a reduced state compared with the cathode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sec. batteries may be obtd. having good reversibility, life times, power and energy densities, and overall coulombic efficiency. The battery is ''charged'' by passing current through the cell to effect doping of (I), the reverse discharge providing electric current and returning (I) to a less doped state. Likewise the allied fuel cells generate current by electrochemical oxidn. of the fuel and redn. of the oxidising agent. Operation in reverse provides an electrolytic cell.
A cell comprises an oxidisable anode material (I); a cathode current collector (II) including an opt. crosslinked polymer from polyacetylenes, polyphenylenes, polyheterocyclics, copolymers and mixts. thereof; and an electrolytic soln. in contact with (I) and (II) comprising a reducible liq. cathode material (III) contg. dissolved electrolyte (IV). (II) consists either of a thin film or layer of the polymer adherent to an inert conductive substrate, typically a thin metal foil; or a mixt. of the polymer with carbon black, pressed onto a screen of inert conductive material. Pref. (I) is made of an alkali or alkaline earth metal, esp. Li; and (III) is a fluid oxyhalide, non-metallic oxide and/ or non-metallic halide, esp. thionyl chloride.    ADVANTAGE -   (II) have high current carrying capacity and enable high current density and operating voltage to be achieved.
Catalyst (e.g., 0.5 wt.% Pd-bearing alumina 3 mm in dia, and 3 mm in length, etc.) is used in a catalyst stopper to combine oxygen with water which generate from lead storage battery. The lead storage battery is dipped in 15-20% soln. of a silicone resin (e.g., silicone oil, etc.) in an organic solvent (e.g., CCl4, etc.) for 5-20 minutes air-dried, and heat-treated at 200-250 deg. C for 5-20 minutes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The surface treatment gives a highly tough water-repellent and heat-resistant film on the surface of the catalyst to be used in the catalyst stopper provided for supplying water to the catalyst to prevent lowering of performance of the catalyst stopper for long periods thus greatly increasing life of the catalyst.
Single component cell for an H3PO4 type fuel cell comprises: an oxidant electrode and a fuel electrode each having a catalyst layer; a matrix between the catalyst layers of both electrodes comprising an H3PO4-resistant inorganic powder (I): and a Zr phosphate buffer layer between the matrix and at least one of the catalyst layers.    ADVANTAGE -   Buffer layer prevents the catalyst layers from being damaged by the matrix. (First major country equivalent to J59211968-A)
(JP92061462-B)      Method comprises blowing a water-soluble oil emulsion on a paper made of lipophilic polymer fibres, except for Cl-contg. polymers, and drying the paper. The emulsion may be coated on or impregnated in the paper.    USE -   For car batteries. (J59211959-A)
(JP92030143-B)      Separator for lead battery comprises a sheet contg. lipophilic polymer fibres. The sheet is impregnated with an oil contg. cycloalkane CnH2n and alkane CnH2n+2 and the sheet may contain a fine powder silica.    USE -   Used for car batteries. (J59211958-A)
Passivation of electrodes is reduced by dissolving in the liq. cathode prior to cell assembly a substance (I) from the gp. of alkyl-2-cyanoacrylates and acrylic and substd. acrylic ester polymers. Pref. (I) is ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate.    The passivation effect appears to result from film formation of lithium halide on the Li electrode surface. In order to show the extent of film formation a typical electrolyte was made up from 1.6 molar LiAlCl4 in SOCl2. (Ia) was added to a portion at 61.5 mg mg/ml and Li coupons were stored in this soln. and in soln. free of (Ia) for 5 days, at room temp. and at 71 deg. C. Scanning electron photomicrographs of the electrodes showed no passivating film at room temp. when (Ia) was present and only a very loose and open film at 71 deg. C. In the absence of (Ia) a dense film was observed at room temp. becoming massive at the higher temp.    ADVANTAGE -   Passivation results in the phenomenon of voltage delay, partic. occurring when the batteries cells are stored at elevated temps., and characterised by a dip in voltage below a defined cutoff voltage and the time required for it to recover to the cutoff voltage. Inclusion of (I) results in an improvement in the reduction of voltage delay. No specific anode treatments are necessary, nor are any films contiguous to the anode required (as in US4296185).
Passivation of a lithium electrode used in a cell having a thionyl chloride liq. cathode is reduced by coating the surface of the Li with a polymer film derived from opt. alkyl substd. alkyl acrylate monomers, and contg. a salt in the polymer matrix. The film is achieved by coating the electrode (before the cell is filled with electrolyte) with a soln. of cyanoacrylate or acrylate esters (including non-nitrile substd. cpds.) and a soluble salt in a non-aq. solvent, and allowing the solvent to evaporate. A pref. system comprises alkyl-2-cyanoacrylates dissolved in ethyl acetate, dimethoxyethane or toluene, with a Li salt, esp. Li perchlorate at a concn. of 0.4-3 molar.    ADVANTAGE -   The voltage delay encountered in Li/SOCl2 cells (such as those described in US3926669 and UK1409307) and characterised by a dip in voltage below a defined cutoff value and the time required for it to recover to the cutoff voltage, is reduced more effectively if the polymeric coating contains a salt than in the prior art where it does not (US4170693).
Cell comprises (1) alkali(ne earth) metal anode; (2) cathode depolariser providing open-circuit voltage (OCV) of at least 3V and (3) as electrolyte, a soln. of salt (I) in non-polymerisable methyl-substd. 1,3-dioxolan (II) solvent. Pref. (II) is the 4-Me (pref.)-; 2-Me-, 2,2-Me2-; 2,4-Me2- or 4,4-Me2-cpd., opt. mixed with gamma-butyrolactone, sulpholane or (pref.) propylene carbonate.    ADVANTAGE -   Unlike unsubstd. 1,3-dioxolan, (II) do not polymerise even in presence of highly oxidising depolarisers. Polymerisation reduces the performance of high rate cells and can cause dangerous increases in cell temp.
Several polymer ribs are provided on at least 1 surface. The ribs are formed of a mixt. of 75-97 wt.% of isotactic and atactic polypropylenes, and 25-3 wt.% of an ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer.    The ribs comprise 15-70 wt.% atactic polypropylene and 15-60 isotactic polypropylene (esp. 15-35 wt.% or 35-50 wt.% for stiffer, more flexible ribs). The ratio by wt. of atactic polypropylene: terpolymer is not greater than 5:1. The rubs may comprise successive elevated and depressed segments along the length of the rib, with the elevated segments of uniform max. height; orthe ribs may be continuous and of uniform max. height along the entire length of the rib.    ADVANTAGE -   The ribs are of uniform max. height and base thickness, and do not shrink on cooling.
A feedthrough assembly for an electrochemical cell comprises (a) a wall (18,19) of thin flexible non-metallic material having a through-hole (20); (b) a pair of conductors (11,12) on opposite sides of the wall, overlying the through-hole and holding the flexible material sealed between them, electrically coupled together through the through-hole.    An electrochemical cell comprises (a') a sealed pouch (18) of flexible nonmetallic material having a pair of through-holes; (b') two pairs of conductors, each coupled as (b), so one conductor (11) of each pair is inside the pouch and the other (12) is outside; (c') an anode (14) and a cathode (15) each coupled to the internal conductor (11) of a different pair; (d') a separator between the electrodes; and (e') an electrolyte electrochemically coupling the electrodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The individually hermetically sealed cell is useful in a battery of one or more cells, provided in a housing. The configuration may be easily changed if required. The flexible pouch may allow expansion under pressure for a self limiting current capability.
Electride used in organic cells has polymer as electroactive substance and a supporting electrode (I). (I) is coated with an electroactive substance (II) and an electroconductive polymer (III) and is produced by the electrolytic polymerisation of (III) on the surface of positive and/or negative metal (I). Pref. (I) can be an organic electrode with a coating of (II). Pref. (II) is polyacetylene, whilst (III) consists of a layer of polypyrrole.    In an example, a positive Ni supporting electrode was coated with polypyrrole by electrolytic polymerisation. The negative supporting electrode consisted of Al, whilst the separator consisted of a polypropylene fibre mat. The separator was placed between the electrodes, each of which had a piece of polyacetylene film on both sides. The polyacetylene films had a thickness of ca. 0.2mm and a surface area of ca. 1 cm2 and the electrodes were about the same size. This array was placed in a cell housing of Al, which was sealed and provided with positive and negative Ni wire terminals. The electrolyte consisted of a 1.0 M soln. of LiClO4 in propylene carbonate. The cell was charged with a constant current of 3 mA, the charge being 2C. Discharge was carried out under a 100 ohm load. This cell gave a much higher deg. of charge/discharge efficiency and longer cell operating time than a similar cell without the polypyrrole coating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   These organic electrodes reduce the internal resistance of polymer batteries, improve the deg. of charge/discharge efficiency and increase the operational lifetime. A cheap metal, e.g. Ni (I) can be used.
Membrane is obtd. by (i) mixing (A) 20-70 pts. wt. ethylene system resin with (B) 30-80 pts. wt. metal salt of high grade fatty acid; (ii) blending 100 pts. wt. of mixt. with 20-200 pts. wt. polyolefin resin (C) to obtain a blended composite; (iii) shaping in to a film; and (iv) treating the film with solvent dissolving (B) and not (A) and (C).    In an example, ethylene system resin was mixed with zinc stearate, the mixt. was blended with an ethylene-butene-1 copolymer, the composite was shaped to obtain a film of 0.1 mm thickness and the film was treated with boiling ethanol to obtain a porous permeable membrane.
New structure of a separator is a fabric layer of cross or random web obtd. from mixing of a radial multi-layer adhering complex fibre (3) and a polypropylene-polyethylene complex (4). The multi-layer is made by complexly spinning polypropylene resin and polyamide resin.    These fibres are integrally adhered to each other through the fusion of the polyethylene component (5) by heating under pressure. The multi-layer is of a cylinder form with polypropylene resins (1) of triangle cylinder adhered with each other by each polyamide resin (2), The apparent density of the separator ranges 0.20-0.5 g/cm.    ADVANTAGE -   The capillary phenomenon by the polyamide component restricts the attenuation of the separator. The mixing ratio of the polypropylene-polyethylene complex fibre can be limited to the minimum (30-50%). The life of the battery is greatly lengthened.
Separator for an alkaline battery is a fabric layer of cross or random web consisting of an island complex fibre and a polypropylene-polyethylene complex fibre. The fibres are integrally adhered to each other by fusion of the polyethylene component.    The island complex fibre is a cylinder of radially adhering form consisting of a mix-fused resins of polypropylene resin and polyamide resin, and polyamide resins. The mix-fused resins of triangle cylinder are adhered with each other by each plate shape polyamide resin. The polypropylene-polyethylene complex fibre is of side-by-side form.    ADVANTAGE -   The mixing ratio of the polypropylene-polyethylene complex fibre can be limited to the min. (30-50%) since it only intensifies tnetensile strenqth and maintains the electrolyte. The life of the battery is greatly increased.
Thin porous sheet of ceramic material is formed by: forming a slurry of fine ceramic particles; spray drying to form porous agglomerates; calcining to fix the particles while maintaining their porosity; forming a slip; and tape casting into thin strip having a microporosity defined by the agglomerates and a macroporosity defined by the spacing between them.    Pref. the slurry includes particles of at least two oxides which react to form a ceramic oxygenate during spray drying and calcining.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a molten carbonate fuel cell. Thin ceramic sheets of good strength are obtd. having a fine pore structure for contacting electrolyte and a larger pore structure for admitting reactant gas.
Electrocatalyst for O2 reduction comprises a ternary alloy of Pt and two others, and has an O2 reduction catalytic activity of at least 25mV at 200 mA/sq.cm. current density above that for unalloyed Pt. Pref. alloy is Pt and two of Cr, Ce, Co, Ni and C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In an H3PO4 fuel cell as cathode material deposited on a conductive substrate, pref. contg. a C carrier (claimed). Catalyst has enhanced activity and stability and low cost.
Fuel cell includes a porous electrode having a continuous, dense, porous, electrically nonconducting binder layer adhered to and supported by its surface, which has sufficient porosity to be impregnable with carbonate salt and pref. insufficient thickness to be self supporting. The binder layer is formed by (a) forming a suspension of porous, electrically nonconducting binder powder ina charged state in a direlectric liq. binder; (b) contacting at least one surface of one electrode and a spaced counter electrode with the suspension, and (c) applying an electric field between the electrodes to electrophoretically deposit the powder as a continuous dense layer adhered to and supported by the electrode.    The component is assembled to form a cell having two porous electrodes and a continuous electrolyte layer formed of the binder layer contg. a carbonate salt in its pores.    ADVANTAGE -   The layer is rapidly deposited, e.g. in about 1-2 min.. It may be much thinner than an unsupported layer, e.g. 250-500 microns, for low IR drop and high efficiency.
Separator for a stacked array of molten carbonate fuel cells providing isolation and an inter-cell conductive path has a flat, rectangular conductive centre portion around which are positioned elongated resilient flanges which form a gas-tight seal around the cell. Each flange encapsulates a respective edge of the separator's inner flat portion and isolates the edge from the corrosive components of the cell.    Pref. the inner portion is of stainless steel with Ni cladding towards the anode; and the flanges are pref. made of a non-corrosive alloy of Y, Fe, Al or Cr.    ADVANTAGE -   Design permits highly conductive material to be used for the separator while being protected from corrosion by an efficient gas-tight wet seal.
An electric power source comprises (a) an electrochemically consumable reactive metal anode comprising a slurry of reactive particles of metal or alloy contg. Al, Li, Na, Mg and/or Ca, suspended in electrolyte soln. and impinging on an inert current collector; (b) an H2-evolving, water-consuming cathode; (c) a supply of reactive metal particles not contacting the electrolyte soln., fed to the slurry on demand.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The power source is useful for propulsion of small marine vehicles over long distances, using seawater obtd. from the surroundings as electrolyte. The power source is compact, has a small size and wt., and provides high flexibility, with reactant material stored outside the cell. When used with a fuel cell, it provides a long life system having a size and wt. much less than an aicd fuel cell of comparable power. A pref. Li-Al mixt. yields 3 kwh/kg reactant metal. A 20 kW power source has a stack size about 3 ft. 3., and the reactant supply for a 150 h trip occupies 1 m3.
H3PO4 fuel cell includes two gas-diffusible, electrodes each with a catalyst-supporting, conductive, porous fired layer contg. a water-repellant binder. The anode has a layer H3PO4 satn. absorption than the cathode by having a lower amt. of water repellant binder and a lower fixing temp. The H3PO4 is contd. in a porous matrix between the electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell voltage is maintained since migration of the electrolyte to the cathode is minimised. (First major country equivalent to J60216457-A)
(JP94086282-B2)      Fuel quality is improved by mixing hydrogen with steam in the presence of a catalyst layer maintained at high temp. by a heating gas. The supply of hydrogen and steam to the catalyst layer is increased or decreased depending on temp. of the catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used in a fuel cell generating system. Supply of hydrogen and steam can be instantaneously controlled.
The zeolite or the respective molecular sieve, contg. 20-21% water, is mixed gradually, with stirring, with a soln. of Na silicate contg. 345 pts. silicate/l., which was preliminarily admixed with 20% NaCl and 2% urea, both w.r.t. the soln. of Na silicate. The suspension obtd. is added, drop by drop, into a granulation bath consisting of a soln.contg. 450 g/l CaCl2 and having pH 5.5-9.5. The granules are sepd. after 5-6 min., dried at 110-130 deg.C, calcined for 2 hrs. at 400-450 deg.C and washed for 30 min., with water, at 90-95 deg.C. The mixing ratio is 1 g granules/20 cc water.
Molten carbonate fuel cell comprises (a) a porous electrode having reservoir pores contg. discrete quantities of electrolyte and bulk pores larger than the reservoir pores; and (b) a porous electrolyte matrix having pores smaller than the reservoir pores. The electrode comprise a uniform mixt. of electrode active powder and porous ceramic particles contg. carbonate electrolyte in its pores, shaped to form an electrode.    The electrode is mfd. by (i) forming a suitable ceramic powder, 1 micron mean dia., into porous particles having a mean dia. not less than 30 mil and pores having a mean dia. 1-3 microns; (ii) homogeneously mixing with powder electrodes active material 4-9 micron mean dia.; (iii) sintering under a protective atmos. for long enough to form a rigid matrix; electrolyte into the porous ceramic particles.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte acts as electrolyte reservoir, sufficient to maintain adequate performance over 40,000 hr. cell life.
An electrolytic cell stack, having opposed ends of negative and positive electrical potential, has a gas seal bbtween a gas supply manifold and a face of the cell stack including a porous sealing medium between their marginal portions. An electrical short protection device combined with the gas seal comprises (a) a nonporous electrically insulating shield between the edges of at least two cells at the negative end of the stack and the porous sealing medium; and (b) an electrically conductive foil of corrosion resistant material, electrically coupled to the negative potential of the cell stack, aligned with the shiled but on the opposite side of the porous sealing medium. Electrolytically dissolved metal ions pref. migrate to the foil instead of to the face of the cell stack.    ADVANTAGE -   The short protection device prevents plating onto the stack, preventing shorting for over 2000 hrs. operation under conditions where an unprotected stack shorted after 200-300 hr. It uses only min. amts. expensive noble metals.
(JP93064435-B)      The light-responsive electrode comprises a film of multi-nucleus type metal cyanocomplex formed on the surface of a conductive material; the complex is obtd. from a salt of a VIII gp. metal and hexacyano complex of a VIII gp. metal.    USE -   For solar cells. (J60189877-A)
A fuel cell, comprising an oxidising agent chamber supplied with oxidising gas and a fuel chamber supplied with fuel gas is operated by (a) purging the chambers with inert gas while connecting the fuel cell to an outside auxiliary load circuit; (b) heating the fuel cell; (c) replacing the inert gas with oxidising and fuel gas, and controlling the unit cell voltage to not more than 0.85V; and (d) connecting the fuel cell to an outside load circuit to start operation. The auxiliary load cell may be disconnected from the auxiliary load cell after (e). It is pref. reconnected during operation when fluctuating demand causes the outside load to become too low, and during shut down.    ADVANTAGE -   Control of the cell voltage prevents sintering of noble metal electrode catalyst particles, e.g. Pt black, maintaining high catalytic activity for prolonged times and avoiding a decrease in fuel cell performance. (First major country equivalent to J60189871-A)
A high temp. solid electrolyte electrochemical cell comprises two electrodes (27,36) having a solid electrolyte (30) between them, formed by vapour deposition from metal halides at above 1000 deg. C. A solid inter layer (28) of O2-permeable, electrically conductive, Y chromite doped with Ca and/or Cr is provided between at least one electrode and the electrolyte to protect the electrode from degradation by hot metal halide vapours during electrolyte deposition.    ADVANTAGE -   The interlayer minimises degradation of the (air) electrode by hot halide vapours and reduced long term metal diffusion from electrode materials, providing better cell performance and stability at operating conditions.
In recovering precious metals from electrodes of fuel cells by means of electrolysis, electrolyte contg. ions or ligands forming complex ions with precious metals to make them soluble, is supplied to said electrodes to dissolve precious metals by electrolysis and are recovered.    Anion such as Cl-, Br-, I-, CN-, NH3-, NO2-, ethylenediamine, (C5H5N), and malonic acid, and the like that forms stable complex ions with precious metals may be added to the electrolyte, if necessary.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for recovery of precious metals such as Pt from laminated fuel cells with high efficiency and by a simple process and is effective in recycling the resources. The recovery can be effectively done from laminated fuel cells without decomposing the cell.    In an example electrolyte 5 litre soln. contg. 2 mol/l HCl, and 1 mol/l KCl was supplied separately to anode and cathode of laminated type fuel cell (30 cells laminated type-output 50 W, contg. 5 g Pt) using cation exchange membrane Nafion 25 with flow rate 10 ml/min., then electrolysed with 1.8 V while reversing the electrode polarity. The recovery ratio of Pt was 92% with 13% current efficiency.
Integrated solar cell comprises a transparent support; a transparent electrode formed of parallel strips; semiconductor layer formed of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the el-ctrode strips but extends over the other edge; and a back side electrode layer in the form of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the semiconductor strips but extends over the other edge.    A dimensional relationship between the components is given.    ADVANTAGE -   The output per unit area of the cell is optimised. (First major country equivalent to J60182757-A)
Electrochemical cell has cation exchange membrane as electrolyte with integrally bonded catalyst electrodes, where on the opposite side of membrane water- or organic-solvent suspensions of fluoro-plastics are coated in such manner as to expose partially catalyst electrode, allowing water or organic solvent to diffuse and form porous layer of fluoroplastics.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for making electrochemical cells with excellent cation exchange membrane used in electrolysis equipment and as fuel cells. The retention of water in the pores of porous catalyst electrode is prevented by forming porous fluoroplastics layer.
The cell provides cation exchange membrane, as a electrolyte, integrally joined together (cation exchange film) with catalyst electrode, where on the opposite side of the catalyst electrode having cation films, porous polyfluoroethylene film is laminated in such manner as to expose partially the catalyst electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is used for electrolysis equipment including water electrolysis equipment, humidity sensors, de-humidifiers, hydrogen separation equipment, and fuel cells including H2-O2 fuel cells, methanol-oxygen fuel cells, etc. Cell prevents the retention of water in the pores of catalyst electrode without sacrificing the current collective ability and accelerates electrochemical reaction of the cell, due to partially exposed catalyst electrode.
Matrix comprises (a) first layer comprising electroconductive powder contg. PTFE resin and linked PTFE fibres not contg. electroconductive powder, and (b) second layer comprising the resin and fibres.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Material is used in fuel cells, and oxygen-metal cells or NaCl electrolysis, as a gas diffusion electrode. Electrode material provides good long-term waterproofness; and air permeability, good durability and good adhesion without ply sepn.
Laminated electrolytic tank is composed of unit electrolytic cells electrically connected in series and laminated one above another. Each cell has a positive electrode chamber and negative electrode chamber surrounded by a frame.    Improvement is that electrolyte soln. entrance and exit holes communicating with the positive and negative electrode chambers are independently formed every 2 or more unit cells. The no. of these holes is less than the no. of the unit cells. A pump to feed the soln. into the soln. entrance hole may be attached to each entrance hole.
Appts. having a positive pole chamber and a negative pole chamber has a third chamber provided between the pole chambers, and is partitioned by membranes, through which an electrolyte can flow into the third chamber. Poisoned material in at least one of the positive pole and negative pole chambers is eliminated by the electrolyte in the third chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A poisoned material produced in the positive pole chamber or the negative pole chamber can be taken into the electrolyte in the third chamber and recovered or eliminated.
(JP92049749-B)      Fuel cell comprises thin film layers formed in end parts of fuel electrodes and oxidiser electrodes laminated between separators. Filmy layers are formed by winding green tetrafluoroethylene resin tapes round the end parts of the electrodes.    For d-c power sources. (J60177563-A)
(JP93052032-B)      Catalyst comprises a Pd-Pt alloy contg. 5-15 wt.% Pt. In the prodn. method a Pd-Pt alloy powder contg. Pt 10 wt.% is coated on a C electrode to form a catalyst layer of 100 micron depth.    Used for portable power sources. (J60177554-A)
Sheet comprises a flexible graphite sheet (I) impregnated with 0.5-20 wt.% thermosetting resin (II) with a carbonising yield of more than 20%.    (I) is de-aerated and then immersed in liquid (II) under reduced pressure, pref. below atmospheric. This is then heat-set using a hot-press followed by calcining at above 800 deg.C. (II) is pref. a phenolic resin adhesive or epoxy resin adhesive (I) is impregnated with (II), and the pressure is reduced until low b.pt. constituents begin to volatilise. The pressure is returned to atmospheric and depressurisation is repeated. Residual liquid is removed before heat-setting.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reinforced sheet has improved gas permeability (0.2 x 10 -5 to 1.6 x 10 -5 cm/s.mm Aq), reduced swelling (rate no more than 6) and improved mechanical strength (tensile strength = 0.5-5 kg/cm2), suitable for heat-resistant packings and fuel cell separators, etc.
Electrolyte lost from a gas fuel cell during operation is replenished by adding it to the fuel and oxidant gas supply streams in the form of an atomised or vapourised dispersion. Specifically, the electrolyte is added to the fuel gas supply to the anode.    Electrolyte escaping entrained in spent gas streams is recovered by condensation and returned as above. It is pref. sprayed into the reactant gas stream and heated to vapourise it; the reactant gas stream may be (super)satd. with electrolyte.    The process is pref. continuous so that the electrolyte content of the cell is maintained constant.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simple and requires no cell modification.
A double tube structure tube filled with a catalyst is heated by a burner. Fuel passing through in the tube is reformed and is then supplied to a fuel cell. The temperature control unit consists of the following: (1) A temperature detector monitoring the temp. around the burner. (2) A temp. setting unit establishing the temperature around the burner. (3) A control unit adjusting iar volume to be supplied to the burner in accordance with the difference between the detected temp. and the established temp. when the detected temp. exceeds the established temp..    ADVANTAGE -   Adjusting air to the burner effectively prevents temperature rise around the heat source of the tube without decreasing catalyst temperature.
(JP93052030-B)      Fuel cell comprises a fuel electrode and fuel chamber formed on one side of an electrolyte layer. An oxidiser electrode and oxidiser chamber are formed on the other side. The mol. size of the electrolyte is larger than that of fuel to be fed into the fuel chamber. (J60165053-A)
A ceramic coating, for the inner faces of refractory linings of industrial furnaces and heating units as well as burner bricks and other internal elements, consists of 80-99 wt.% finely divided iron oxides, opt. contg. up to 5 wt.% oxides of one or more of Cr, Ni, Ti, Mn and Mo, and a conventional binder, the metal oxides comprising mainly scale from iron and/or iron alloys, esp. Cr-, Ni-, Mn- and Ti-contg. iron alloys, or ferro-slags, e.g. formed by heating steel ingots.    Also claimed is prodn. of a ceramic coating by applying the binder-contg. metal oxide coating as a coating dispersion by spraying, sprinkling, painting or roller coating onto refractory linings, heat insulating refractory layers, fibre felts or other internal elements.    ADVANTAGE -   The coating is adherent, wear resistant and heat resistant up to 1700K. It increases the emissivity of the lining to at least 0.93 from the start of furnace operation, even in oxidising furnace atmospheres.
The surface of a transition metal substrate is formed into an intercalatable layered stable transition metal chalcogenide by: (i) ion imparting sulphur at 150-200 KeV and a satn. dosage of about 10 power(18) sulphur atoms/cm2 into the surface of the metal substrate at a depth of 1300-2200 Angstrom; and (ii) annealing under vacuum of 1 x 10 power(-5) torr - 1 x 10 power(-6) torr at 100-300 deg.C for 8-48 hrs.    The process may further comprise implanting an alkali metal into the surface of the annealed sulphur-implanted substrate under the same conditions as above. Annealing takes place at 80-150 deg.C.    The transition metal chalcogenide formed has the general formula MXn, where M is a transition metal selected from Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Zr and Nb; X is sulphur and n is 2-3.    USE -   The intercalatable layered or lamellar stable transition metal chalcogenides such as CrS2 are used as cathode active materials and alkali metal transition metal chalcogenides such as LiCrS2 are used as cathode active materials as well as anode active materials. The materials can also be used in the prodn. of fuel cells, photogalvanic devices and photovoltaic devices. The materials are also used as catalysts and as photoactive materials.
In a process for operating a fuel cell power plant, hydrocarbon fuel is passed through a saturator with heated water to add steam to the fuel before introduction of the fuel into a steam reforming reactor. A fuel cell power plant (10) includes a fuel cell stack (12), fuel conditioning appts (16), a saturator (20), a heat exchanger (22) and an air flow splitter (26).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Raising steam for a steam reforming reactor integrated with a fuel cell stack and a fuel cell powerplant. No steam boilers are required to produce steam for the reactor. The steam can be raised at a higher total pressure than in a boiler heated by the same source. /1
The compsn. is prepd. by using sorbent and a polymeric binder. The rate of sorption-desorption of H2 is increased and the explosion hazard is decreased by using (in wt.%): 10-35 organo-silicon rubber polymeric binder, 1-5 BN, and H sorbent the balance. The compsn. is prepd. by firstly mixing the sorbent and BN additive, adding the binder, and hardening the mixt.    USE -   Prodn. of hydrogen storage systems.
A liquid fuel electrical cell consisting of a fuel-electrode and an oxidant-electrode uses a recirculating mixture of methanol and sulphuric acid in water. The cell performance is improved by using a separate cell to react to the fuel-concentration and using this signal to regulate the supply of additional fuel/water mixture, so as to maintain a constant concn. Figure 1 shows an arrangement of fuel tank (13) and acid tank (11) with regulator (10) and parallel bank of fuel cells (8). The sensing element used in the regulator is another fuel-cell. Figure 2 shows a regulator circuit with feedback to the fuel admixture valve. The recirculating fuel (16) flows past the fuel electrode which is separated by an electrolyte in a membrane from oxidant-electrode (2) which has a flow of air directed at its other surface. The cell-voltage is detected by (17) and converted to a valve-control signal by (18) operating via (21) on valve (19). In another construction the electrolyte between the electrodes 1 and 2 is the fuel-mixt. itself.
Arrangement comprises a fuel cell and a combuster for combusting hydrogen with air to produce a gas stream comprising water vapour and N2 opt. with H2 at a concn. below the explosive limit. Appts. is provided for passing the gas stream through the fuel cell as a purge and/or as a preheater, or through a heat exchanger to provide heat to a fuel cell reactant or electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The burnt gases may be passed through the fuel cell as a purge to avoid build up of inflammable or explosive gas mixts., and can preheat or keep the cell at an elevated temp. The prior art need for a source of inert gas to purge the cell is avoided.
O2-permeable membrane comprises: a microporous membrane; and a thin layer of a metal oxide (I) in a C matrix. (I) is TiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, TiO2, SiO2, Cu2O, MnO, NiO, Co3O4, VO2, MoO2, WO2, RuO2, NbO2, CrO2, ReO2, OsO2, RhO2, IrO2 or PtO2. The layer pref. has a thickness of 0.01-1.0 micron; the microporous membrane pref. has a pore size of 1 micron or less.    USE -   In H2/O2 fuel cells, metal/air cells, O2 sensors etc. An air electrode incorporating the membrane is claimed.
The film is made of fluorine contg. polymer as the base into which a cation exchange radical is introduced. On one or both sides of the film a mixed layer comprising electrode catalyst powder, short fibre of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, sulphonic acid and fluorine contg. binder is arranged. As an adjacent layer to the mixed layer, the electrode made of a mixt. of electrode catalyst powder and fluorine contg. polymer binder is arranged.    Suitably the ion exchange resin used in the mixed layer is in the form of short fibre which forms strong layer due to twining force of fibre.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolytic cell is used for sepn. of oxygen from the air, hydrogen sepn., fuel cell, etc. The reaction zone of the air electrode is made three dimensional, i.e. the action area is larger than the conventional system, and thus the polarity characteristics are improved and the control is made easier.
Film is composed of F-contg. polymer base with cation exchange radical introduced. Mixed layer composed of electrode catalyst powder, sulphonic acid powder of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and F-contg. polymer binder is arranged on one or both sides of the ion exchange resin film. As layer adjacent to the mixed layer, electrode composed of a mixt. of electrode catalyst powder and F-contg. polymer binder is arranged.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Appts. is used as an electrolytic cell for sepn. of O2 from air, H2 separation, fuel cell, etc. The reaction zone of the air electrode is made three dimensional, polarity characteristics are improved and the steam control is made easier.
Fuel cell electrolyte vapour, evaporating into one or both of fuel and oxidant gases as they pass through the cell, is removed from the gas streams by (a) continuously circulating a mass of liq. water through a loop including a saturator; and (b) passing the hot exhaust gas stream to be treated through the saturator in direct contact with liq. water. The water absorbs heat and evaporates, cooling the gas stream to below the dew point of the electrolyte vapour, so the vapour condenses and dissolves into the circulating liq. The evaporated water is carried out with the gas stream, and all the acid dissolved into the circulating liq. remains in it, continuously increasing the acid conc. in the water.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is removed from the gas before it can cause corrosion damage to downstream constituents and/or before releasing exhaust gases to the environment. High acid concn., up to 50%, is permitted in the water, so disposal is much easier than in streams contg. only 10-20ppm acid. /1
Plate (20) for vertical filter press diaphragm-type electrolytic cells includes a central recess (23) containing parallel conductive electrode contacting projections (24) which define vertical flow channels (25) for the electrolyte. An electrolyte collecting channel (30) extends across the upper ends of the channels (25).    Channel (30) communicates with a vertical electrolyte outlet manifold (32) via a series of vertically spaced openings (31) which open into the upper end of the outlet manifold (32).    ADVANTAGE -   Minimisesshunt current flow between electrodes of adjacent cells.
A fuel cell system adapted to receive fuel having hydrocarbon content from a fuel supply, the fuel cell system comprises (a) a fuel cell including: means internal of the cell for reforming the hydrocarbon content of the fuel from the supply to produce fuel process gas; and (b) anode and cathode sections for receiving fuel process gas and oxidant process gas; and means for receiving the gas exhausted from the anode section and for sepg. from the exhaust gas fuel process gas contained in the exhausted gas to the exclusion of the other gases contained in the exhaust gas, to thereby provide sepd. fuel process gas and remaining exhausted gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell system wherein fuel process gas is more efficiently used, and in which internal reforming is used to produce hydrogen fuel process gas and wherein utilisation of the hydrogen gas is increased.
A hybrid system consisting at least of a hydrogen/oxidant fuel cell, a hydrogen/metal oxide accumulator, a hydrogen reservoir, a gas lead between the hydrogen electrode(s) of the fuel cell and the hydrogen electrode(s) of the accumulator and an electrical connection between the hydrogen electrode(s) of the fuel cell and the hydrogen electrode(s) of the accumulator, is characterised by (a) an electrical connection between the oxidant electrode(s) of the fuel cell and the metal oxide electrode(s) of the accumulator; (b) the hydrogen electrode(s) of the fuel cell are connected to a hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen electrode(s) of the accumulator are connected separately from the hydrogen electrode(s) of the fuel cell to the same or to a separate hydrogen reservoir; and (c) the electrical connection between the electrodes of the fuel cell and of the metal oxide accumulator are provided with one or more devices which ensure that electrical energy can flow only from the fuel cell to the accumulator.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple means is provided for overcoming the drawback of prior art hybrid systems of this type, which was rapid exhaustion of the accumulator due to using up of the nickel oxide electrode (cf. DE1934974). The hybrid system is esp. adapted for the powering of cars.
Fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell operating at a predetermined temp., including electrodes communicating with an electrolyte and a passage (s) carrying at least one process gas through the cell so each gas communicates with an electrode. The process gas(es) is provided at a selected temp. and includes a predetermined amt. of a selected constituent to retard electrolyte being carried from the cell by the process gas.    Pref. the electrode is an anode and the process gas is a fuel gas; and/or the electrode is a cathode and the gas is an oxidant gas. The selected constituent is a component of the electrolyte in vapour form. For an alkaline electrolyte, esp. alkali carbonate, the constituent includes electrolyte cations, esp. contg. alkali metal, alkali hydroxide or alkali carbonate. For an acid electrolyte, esp. phosphoric acid, the constituent includes electrolyte anions, esp. an oxide of P.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte level in the cell is maintained.
A thin film solar cell array comprises (a) multiple unit cell elements each having a first electrode, a thin semiconductor film and a transparent second electrode successively deposited on the front surface of a flexible insulating substrate, electrically connected in series by overlapping the second electrode of one element with the first electrode of an adjacent element; (b) a terminal electrode formed at one extreme end of the front surface connected to the second electrode of the element at the extreme end of the surface; and (c) at least two terminal electrodes on a surface opposite the front surface of the substrate, formed by metal layers deposited on the substrate and respectively connected to the terminal electrode of (b) and to the first electrode of the element at the other extreme end of the front surface.    ADVANTAGE -   The back surface electrodes can be connected to external leads or wires, or directly to like arrays without interfering with the path of incident light. The arrays can be interconnected in any desired series parallel arrangement end provided in desired patterns where a decorative arrangement is required. (First major country equivalent to J60123073-A)
Carbon dioxide is blown in an aq. slurry contg. as the solid content 97-85 wt.% powder of Li oxide and/or Li carbonate and alumina and 3-15 wt.% pulp and the pH value is adjusted to 8-10. By adding a flocculating agent, the powder is adsorbed by the pulp and flocked. By paper making it is formed into a sheet-like or plate-like moulded prod. After drying, the moulded prod.is baked in an oxidising atmos., by which the wood pulp content is burnt and vaporised. Then the resulting prod. is sintered.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic porous body obtd. has excellent properties as an electrolytical tile and excellent durability.
Fuel cell (1) uses lithium cobalt oxide micro particle-sintered cpd. as the electrode. The Li content X of Li Co oxide (LixCo1-xO) is 0.05-0.2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cpd. is pref. sintered at 850-950 deg.C, and the obtd. oxide has excellent corrosion resistance and electric conductivity. The cpd. is a highly active electrode material, and gives excellent electrode performance. Using the cpd. (1) has improved cell characteristics.
A catholyte regenerating appts., for use with a fuel cell having a cathode section (c) contg. a catholyte soln. which is reduced to gas and water by the fuel cell reaction, comprises (a) conduits conducting partly reduced, water-diluted catholyte and gas from the cell to a mixer (24); (b) an absorption tower (26) contg. gas-absorbing liq. solvent (s), receiving the mixt., absorbing the gas and commingling the gas-laden solvent and diluted catholyte; (d) an air supply to the mixt. from thw tower, allowing absorption of a stoichiometric amt. oxygen; (e) a catalyst packed column (40) receiving the mixt. from (d), so the oxygen and gas react with the liq. to reconstitute the catholyte and separate it from the solvent; (f) a recirculation path conducting the solvent from the catalyst column to the absorption tower; (g) a holding tank (50) and (h) conduits conducting the reconstituted catholyte from the column to the tank, and from the tank to the cathode section of the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. maintains the catholyte in balanced condition throughout long, sustained periods of fuel cell operation. It is easily and inexpensively mfd. and maintained, and easily and reliably operated.
Fuel cell has anode connected with cathode through one or more electrical conductors, and the arithmetic product of the total electrical resistance between the electrodes within the cell, in ohms and the active area of the cathode in square metres is 10 power 4 to 10 (10power3 to 5) ohms m2. The anode and cathode are both embedded in a frame of electrically conductive plastic the frame being conductivity connected together. The anode and cathode may be embedded in sufficiently conductive thermosetting resin. The plastic contains carbon and/or metal particles. The fuel cell is pref. an oxygen-hydrogen cell with an alkaline electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Much better stability in time is achieved compared with otherwise identical fuel cells with a large electrical resistance between the electrodes within the cell.
Fuel cell is operated so that a stoiduometric excess amount of fuel is present at the anode relative to the amount of oxidant in the cathode chambers, the anode and cathode being electrically connected together within the fuel cell by one or more electrical conductors, the arithmetic product of the total electrical resistance between the electrodes and the active area of the cathode being 10 power 4 to 10 ohm 2.    Subsequently the external current drain is stopped and the oxidant supply is virtually stopped, one or more electrically conducting connections being maintained between the electrodes within the cell after the external current drain has been stopped, and the anode chambers are left filled with fuel.    ADVANTAGE -   The method of operation provides a profound improvement in the stability of the cells compared with the same fuel cells operated without the method.
Electro-catalyst comprises an alloy of Pt and up to 50 pref. 10-30 wt.% Ga, dispersed on a suitable carrier, pref. C Pref. Pt-Ga alloy has a surface area of at least 30 sq. m./g. and is present in an amt. 0.1-2 mg per sq. cm. of support surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In a cathode for an acid electrolyte/ fuel cell (claimed). Catalyst has enhanced performance and stability over prior art catalysts.
A matrix material for a molten carbonate fuel cell comprising: a fine pore, gas permeable, anode stable metal layer having a porosity of 40-50 vol.%;bonded to a matrix tape comprising a mixt. of:particles inert to molten carbonate electrolyte and less than 1 micron in size; ceramic particles greater than 25 microns; and at least 25 vol.% of a polymeric binder, the matrix tape being flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp.    The matrix tape layer pref. comprises 40-45 vol.% inert particles and at least 15 vol.% ceramic particles. The pref. inert particles are of lithium aluminate, the pref. ceramic particles are of alumina and the pref. polymer is polyvinyl butyral. The layer is pref. 3-5 mils thick.    ADVANTAGE -   The material is less fragile than known materials.
A nasicon cpd. having a rhombohedral structure at room temp. is represented by the general formula M1+x+0.02y+0.042M'2-0.02 (y+2)M''0.02yM'''0.022M''''xM'''''3-xO12; where M=Li, Na, K and/or Ag; M'=Zr, Ti and/or Hf; M''=0-15 mole % Y, Sc and/or La; M'''=0-15 mole % Mg, Ca, Sr and/or Ba; M''''=Si and/or Ge; M'''''=P and/or As; x=1.9-2.2; y=0-15; z=0-15.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsns. are useful as solid electrolytes in batteries, esp Na-S batteries. It may also be useful as an Na sensor, or other in applications requiring an Na or other metal ion conductor, e.g. in fuel cells. As it has the desired rhombohedral structure at room temp., no destructive phase transition occurs when the cpd. is heated to operating temp. Operating temp may be reduced as heating to above the phase transition temp. to obtain max. conductivity is unnecessary.
A corrosion resistant, electrically condutive, fluid impervious interface between two adjacent elements (18,21) in a fuel cell stack comprises (a) a first conductive layer (52) and a second perforate conductive layer (53) providing a bridging electrical contact between the elements; and (b) a hot pressed resin (54) bonding the layers together and to at least one element, and filling any void space between the elements.    Pref. one of the elements is adapted to contain electrolyte. Pref. one element is gas distribution plate and the other is a cooling plate or current collecting plate. The first conductive layer may serve as a gas distribution plate. Both elements are bonded to the interface.    ADVANTAGE -   The interface imparts resistance to corrosion by the electrolyte, and provides good electrical and thermal conductivity between the elements.
In a fuel cell comprising a layer build cell composed of elementary cells using phosphoric acid as electrolyte and equipped with a manifold for supplying fuel gas to the cell, the manifold is made of Cu alloy. At least one of brass, special Al bronze, white Cu, Ag, Al bronze and naval brass is used as Cu alloy.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell with a high reliability has phosphoric acid resistant manifold and is capable of preventing deterioration due to corrosion.
A molten carbonate fuel cell, operating at 1100-1400 def. F, having a catalytic anode, a cathode, a molten carbonate electrol-yte between them, and fuel and oxidant passageways, uses H2 fuel produced by (a) introducing methanol into the fuel passageway; (b) contacting the anode with the methanol in the presence of water, so at the cell operating temp. the methanol is steam reformed, producing H2, CO and CO2; and (c) oxidising the H2 at the anode to produce free electrons. The water of (b) is pref. the byprod. water formed by H2 oxidn.    ADVANTAGE -   The methanol provides an inexpensive source of H2 fuel and requires no external reforming catalyst.
Prodn. comprises reacting the appropriate metal salt or complex with phthalodinitrile (II) and NH4 salts in the melt at 250-300 deg.C.    Useful as dyes, in semiconductor research and as catalysts, e.g. in fuel cells. In an example a mixt. of ReOCl3(Ph3P)2, NH4Cl and (II) of mole ratio 1:2:10 was melted at 280-300 deg.C. After a flow mins. the melt was dark green and after 8 min it was block and very viscous. The mixt. was cooled after 30 min. reaction and subjected to soxheet extn. with EtOH for 15 hr. to remove excess (II) and readily soluble reaction prods. The prod. was dried to give a 90% yield of deep blue, microcrystalline nitrdo-Re-phthalocyanine. This could be purified by reprecipitation from conc. H2SO4 or by sublimination at 450 deg.C. and 10mTorr.
H2-rich fuel gas stream for a fuel cell is prepd. from a hydrocarbon feed in a reformer having a first zone (I) comprising a monolithic body with catalytic Pd and Pt dispersed in gas flow passages, and a second zone (II) contg. a Pt gp. metal steam reforming catalyst by (a) preheating a stream of feed hydrocarbon, H2O and air having an H2O:C ratio 0.5-5 and an 02:C ratio 0.3-0.4; (b) introducing into (I) to initiate and sustain catalytic oxidn., producing H2 and COx, while maintaining (part of) the body at least 250 deg. F hotter than the inlet stream; (c) oxidising sufficient, but not all, of the hydrocarbon feed in (I) to (i) heat sufficiently to crack all unoxidised 5C+ hydrocarbons to 1-4C hydrocarbons; and (ii) heat the effluent from (I) to a temp. high enough for catalytic steam reformation of remaining hydrocarbons in (II) without supplying external heat; (d) passing the effluent to (II) to reform remaining hydrocarbons, producing H2 and COx; (e) withdrawing H2-rich gas effluent from (II).    A fuel cell, comprising a stack of anodes and cathodes, is operated by (f) passing the effluent (e) to the anode side of the fuel cell; (g) introducing an air stream to the cathode side of the fuel cell; and (h) generating electricity, H2-contg. anode vent gas and cathode vent gas in the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Normally liq. hydrocarbons, e.g. liquified petroleum gas, JP-4 fuel, No.2 fuel oil, demetallised gas oils, and ash-and metal-free coal-derived liqs., are converted to a form suitable for use in fuel cells with near 100% efficiency.
(JP93040426-B)      Prodn. process comprises sheeting a slurry of alumina powder, Li carbide powder and wood pulp with an agglomerant to form a sheet, and baking the sheet at 500-700 deg.C..    Tile is used for fuel cells. (J60089074-A)
Electrode for use as a -type semiconductor in a photoelectric transducer comprises Ir oxide formed by reactive sputtering of Ir or Ir oxide in 02. Pref. the film is 200-1000 Angstrom thick and is deposited on a plastic substrate, pref. acrylic resin, polyester resin, polyethylene resin or vinyl resin.    Sputtering is effected at a pressure of 0.01-1 pref. 0.1-1 torr, power 0.4 W/sq. an max. oref. 0.2-0.4 w/sq. cm., and and deposition speed 0.05-0.15 Anstrom/sec. Film has a transmittance to He-Ne laser light (633nm) of 90% or more and a resitivity of 0.01 ohm. cm or less.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a solar cell. Transparent, low resistance p-type film is obtd. at low temp. e.g. a substrate temp. of about 20-25 deg.C. (First major country equivalent to J60084716-A)
Solid fuel cell comprises electroconductive solid electrolyte utilising oxygen ion and of formula (ZrO2)100-x(MF3)x (where M is Y, x is 13-25 or M is Yb and x is 16-25; x is mol.%).    The solid electrolyte is prepd. by mixing crushed ZrO2 with YF3 or Yb fluoride at 1100-1400 deg.C for 3 hrs. in inert gas atmosphere. Typically (ZrO2)85(YF3)15 is obtd. from 0.85 mole ZrO2 and 0.15 mole YF3 at 1200 deg.C for 3 hrs. in Ar atmos. The electrolyte is moulded to thin film by plasma spraying, vacuum deposition, sputtering etc. and relatively thick product is obtd. by hot-pressing, rubber pressing or hot hydrostatic sintering process etc. Suitable thickness is 1 micron-5 mm. Suitable anode material is Pt, Ag, Co or perovskite such as LaCoO3, and suitable cathode material is Pt, Ag, Ni or perovskite oxide, etc.    In an example, the fuel cell is prepd. from (ZrO2)0.86(YF3)0.14 pellet glazed with Pt. When the fuel cell is inserted into an electric furnace and 50 ml. H2 gas at 1 atmos. is supplied to the inside of the furnace heated at 700 deg.C and 25 ml. O2 gas at 1 atmos. is supplied to the outside of the furnace, 0.88 V terminal voltage is obtd. at 100 mA/cm2 current density.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell comprises electroconductive solid electrolyte utilising oxygen ion capable of generating high electromotive force. Several disadvantages of conventional similar fuel cell such as requirement for molten salt and high temp. or difficulty in sealing parts of the device etc. are eliminated.
Fuel cell comprising electroconductive solid electrolyte utilising oxygen ions expressed by the general formula NdaYbFcOd (where a is 4.5-7.5, b is 7.5-7.5, c is 14-24, d is 11-6 and 3a + 3b is c + 2d; a + b is 12.    The solid electrolyte is prepd. by mixing crushed neodymium oxide with yttrium fluoride or yttrium oxide with neodymium fluoride, and heating the mixt. at 1000-1200 deg.C for 1-3 hrs. in inert gas atmos. For example, a mixt. of 1 mole Nd2O3 is heated with 2 mole YF3 at 1100 deg.C for 2 hrs. in Ar atmosphere to obtain Nd2Y2F6O3. Suitable ion proportions of the electrolyte are Y/Nd 0.5-1.67, F/O 1.27-4.    The electrolyte is formed to thin film by plasma spraying, vacuum deposition or sputtering; relatively thick prod. is prepd. by hot-pressing, rubber pressing, or hot hydrostatic sintering process. Thickness of the electrolyte is 1 micron-5 mm. Anode material is Pt, Ag, Co or perovskite such as LaCoO3. Cathode material is Pt, Ag, Ni, or perovskite oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid electrolyte utilising oxygen ions capable of generating high electromotive force is provided. Disadvantages of conventional similar fuel cell such as requirement for molten salt and high temp., or difficulty in sealing constructing parts of the device etc. are eliminated.
A shaped body made of expanded graphite powder or body made by lamination of the shaped body, is impregnated with resin, and after the resin on the surface of the body is removed by washing, the body is hardened by heating.    Specifically, the expanded graphite powder comprises material having 0.001-0.02 g/cm3 of bulk density, shaped into plate-form (having a bulk density of 1.6-1.8 g/cm3) by pressing. The shaped body is impregnated with resin by immersion for several mins. 20 hrs. Then the surface is washed with solvent (e.g. toluene) and hardened by heating at a temp. of 50-200 deg.C.    The thermosetting resin, such as phenol resin, melamine resin, melamine-modified phenol resin, epoxy resin and furan resis, is impregnated in amt. of 0.5-10 wt.% (pref. 2-7 wt.%) in the shaped body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the partition plate of fuel cell. It has high resistance to the corrosion of electric soln. high electroconductivity and high impermeability. It is prepd. inexpensively compared with the material prepd. by the use of corrosion-resistant alloy or carbonous material.
An alkali-resistant oxide powder (e.g. ZrO2, lithium aluminate, etc.) and an alkali carbonate e.g. lithium carbonate, potassium carbonate, etc., are mixed, wetted, granulated and press-moulded at ordinary temp., followed by drying and heat treatment. The mixed powder of the alkali-resistant oxide powder and the alkali carbonate is wetted with a 40:60 - 10:90 mixt. of water and alcohol (e.g., methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, etc.) in an amt. of 2-10 wt.% on the basis of the mixed powder, or the mixed powder is wetted with the alcohol at first and then with water, and the wetted mixed powder is granulated, press-moulded at ordinary temp., dried at about 100 deg.C, and then heated to 100-500 deg.C for about 1 hour in an electric oven, followed by heat treatment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method can effectively produce electrolyte plates free of cracks and lamination and having a high homogeneity which are suitable for mfr. of fuel cells using alkali carbonates as electrolytes.
(JP92014464-B)      Prodn. comprises mixing carbon fibres with a water soln. to produce a slurry, mixing a phenol resin powder, filtering the slurry to form a mat, and heating the mat until dried.    USE -   For making fuel cells. (J60059660-A)
Catalyst is prepd. by (a) preparing an aq. dispersion of Pt ions and electrically conductive C support particles, and heating at 45 deg.C.; (b) preparing an S ion contg. aq. soln. and adding to the Pt dispersion at 45 deg.C.; (c) agitating the dispersion and maintaining at 45 deg.C. so Pt is absorbed on the support particles; (d) preparing a second aq. dispersion contg. a gp. IV, V, VI or VII transition element salt and adding to the Pt dispersion at 45 deg.C. with agitation, and adjusting pH to 5.5; (e) continuing agitation to adsorb the transition element on the support particles; and (f) removing the particles from the dispersion, drying, sifting and heating to form the catalyst. The supported catalyst is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalysts are useful for O2 electrodes in high temp. acid fuel cells. The single heating step simplifies mfr., produces more uniformly distributed metal components, of smaller particle size for higher catalytic activity and an estimated longer lifespan; e.g. Pt alloy particle size 45-50A of 60-65A for conventional 2 batch process, O2 mass activity mA/mg Pt at 0.9V, compared with 33.0 for the conventional catalyst.
Reformer comprises reaction pipes (2,3) which cause reforming reaction of steam by heating mixed gas of natural gas and steam with catalytic action, heating means for reaction pipes, and shell body lined with insulations and contg. reaction pipes. Reaction pipes are encircled with shield tube (21) to partition reaction pipe outside heat zone (22) and discharge heat recovery zone (23). Heat exchanger (24) is provided in zone between shield tube (21) and shell body (15) lined with insulation (16), i.e. discharge heat recovery zone (23). Heat exchanger is of annular form to cover reaction pipes. Suction of steam (17) is connected to heat exchanger directory. Pipe consisting annular heat exchanger (24) is connected to pipe in which steam before mixing with natural gas passes. Outlet (19) of exhaust gas is opened to exhaust heat recovery zone (23).    Steam is conducted to heat exchanger (24), superheated by heat exchanging with hot exhaust gas (approx. 600-800 deg. C), and conducted and mixed with natural gas by ejector (13) and pressure raised. Mixed gas is sent to reformer (20) for reforming. Heat required for reaction is given by burner (11), and combustion gas from burner (11) is conducted to exhaust heat recovery zone (23) after heat exchanging with reaction pipe. Heat exchanged with annular heat exchanger (24) and discharged outside of reformer.    ADVANTAGE -   Superheating of steam required for reaction and heat recovery from combustion exhaust gas are carried out simultaneously in exhaust heat recovery zone (23) of reformer, thus there is no need to install a steam superheater and exhaust gas cooler. Fuel cell system etc. can be made compact.
Batteries consist of redox cells connected in series, in bipolar fashion, each with 2 electrode compartments sepd. by a membrane. The novelty is that there are flexible films (I) of nonporous graphite between the electrode compartments of adjacent cells for electrodes of different polarity.    (I) is activated on both surfaces, pref. with catalytic amts. of Pb and Au.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The individual cells can be connected in series easily and cost-effectively. The batteries are esp. useful for storing solar energy.
Membrane consists of (1) a porous membrane having less than 0.1 micron micropores and (2) a polymer thin layer deposited on one of the sides of the porous membrane by plasma polymerisation. Pref. (2) is made from (3) monomers of fluorinated organic cpds. The thickness of (2) is 0.01-1.0 microns. (1) includes porous fluororesin, porous polycarbonate, porous cellulose ester, porous polypropylene membranes. (3) are benzotrifluoride, m-chlorobenzotrifluoride, hexafluorobenzene, pentafluorobenzene, pentafluorostyrene, or their mixts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for oxygen/water vapour sepn. in fuel cells, metal/air batteries, or oxygen sensors. Penetration of water vapour or CO2 gas bringing adverse effects to the air electrodes is effectively prevented.
The membrane comprises at least one surface coated with a thin layer of Cl mixt. of (1) metallic oxide fine particles and (2) water-soluble polymers.    (1) are hydrated metal oxides, metal oxides capable of absorbing oxygen, or rutile type metal oxides, including SnO2, ZnO, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, TiO2, SiO2.    (2) are polyhydric alcohols like PVA, polycellulose esters like CMC, polyamides, polycarboxylic acids, polyethers, or natural polymers like starch. The thickness of the thin layer is 10nm-10 microns. A composite membrane is formed by coating an aq. soln. contg. 2% Al2O3 and 2% PVA on one of the surfaces of a polypropylene porous membrane having 0.2x0.02 micron pores and a porosity of 38%. O2 permeability is 2.5 x 10 power -2 (ml/min cm2.cmHg); CO2 is 1.9 x 10 power -2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells, metal/air batteries, or air electrodes of oxygen sensors. Penetration of harmful gases like CO2 is effectively prevented.
Prodn. comprises moulding under pressure and heat, a mixture of uniformly surface-oxidised, less than 100 mesh dia. coke powders or graphite fine powder (fillers) and prim. condensates of thermosetting resins having a residual carbon content of 40% (binders); and calcining the resulting mouldings in an inert atmos..    The fillers are artificial graphite formed by carbonising, e.g., coke at 2800-3000 deg. C or natural graphite, which are pulverised into powder and then surface-oxidised by heating in an oxidative atmos. (air) at higher than 500 deg. C or using nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, or potassium permanganate soln.. The thermosetting resins are phenol or furan resins. The mixing ratio is 14-40 pts. wt. binders per 100 pts. wt. fillers. Moulding is at 120-270 deg. C and 100-800 Kg/cm2. Calcination is at 900-1300 deg. C, and if necessary, at 2800-3000 deg. C to carbonise the mouldings.    USE -   Materials obtd. are used for separators in phosphoric acid electrolyte fuel cells.
Potassium hydroxide aq. soln. is so added to an aq. soln. of potassium hydroxide contg. potassium carbonate that the concn. of the potassium hydroxide exceeds the solubility of the potassium hydroxide in potassium carbonate - potassium - hydroxide - water system to ppte. potassium carbonate which is then sepd. and removed from the system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Potassium hydroxide aq. soln. is an excellent reactive media for H2/O2 type fuel cells etc. However, as potassium hydroxide easily absorbs CO in its handling process to produce potassium carbonate and loses the effectiveness as the reactive media, it has so far been difficult to use potassium hydroxide aq. soln. in practice. Here, the potassium hydroxide aq. soln. is very easily purified by only adding potassium hydroxide and the sepd. potassium carbonate can be used as the potassium hydroxide source after being burnt.
Pin-type amorphous semiconductor solar cell includes an amorphous Si semiconducotr film contg. H, C and O as impurities and has a refractive index 2.0-3.4. The total C + O = at least 0.1 at% and the film form the p or n layer and is used as the cell window.    Film is doped n-type with a V element or p-type with a III elment. Process ofr deposition of the film by CVD from silane (fluorides) and at least one of CO, CO2, O-contg. organics and mixts. of hydrocarbons and O2 is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Material has low light absorption, a controllable refractive index to minimise reflection and good adhesion to stainless steel substrates and transparent electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J60031222-A).
Method is claimed to feed a fuel to a fuel dissolve type electric cell such as O2 fuel cells. A fuel duct attached to a fuel chamber frame is fluidically-connected to the chamber via a porous fuel filter projected in parallel to the flow of fuel in the duct. (J56067172-A)
Fuel cell has reciprocal laminate of both disconnector having rib groove ( gas flow path) and element cell. Amorphous alloy protecting plate is provided on the laminate both side surfaces perpendicular to the rib groove. The amorphous alloy has formula 100-a-(Mo)a(Nb)b(Zr)b; a: b = 4 : 1 o (Ti)100-2a-b(Mo)a(Nb)a(Zr)b; a: b = 1 ; 4.    ADVANTAGE -   Side surface of the cell is sufficiently protected, so that cell property is stabilised over long period.    In an example (Ti)100-a-2b(Mo)a(Nb)n(Zr)b amorphous alloy was produced by liquid quenching, in which a : b = 4 : 1. Phosphoric acid resistance was improved by adding Mo at least 16% and adding Nb+Zr at least 4% together with Mo. The cell properties were stabilised for long period.
The dopant replaces part of the alkali metal or transition metal in the crystal structure, of the alkali metal transition metal oxide. The compsn. has a resistivity below 500 ohm cm at operating temp. and exhibits chemical stability under cathode conditions in a molten carbonate fuel cell.    The ceramic may be represented by AwMxTyOz; where A = alkali metal; T = transition metal; M = dopant having valence +- 1 or 2 different from the substd. metal and ionic radius not larger than the metal. x, x, y and z are positive, with w and y differing from their value in the undoped cpd. by not more than x;    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic es esp. useful as a cathode for molten carbonate fuel cells. It is also useful in other high temp. invironments, e.g. MHD generators. It resists dissolution in molten carbonate, and may exhibit resistivity as low as 5 ohm cm at 650 deg. C.
Pellets contg. SiO2 and C, and Cl2-contg. Gas are continuously charged in a reaction vessel and then reacted with each other at high temp. to prepare SiCl4. CO-contg. gas is then supplied to the reaction vessel which may be a by-prod. formed by the SiCl4-forming reaction.    The amount of CO-contg. gas supplied is pref. 10-150 pts. vol. (in terms of CO) based on 100 pts. vol. Cl2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) useful as a raw material for fine silica, synthetic quartz, silicon nitride, a solar cell or a semiconductor body is prepd. by reaction of SiO2 with Cl2. The reaction is accelerated by supplying CO-contg. gas. The CO-contg. gas also reduces the amt. of unreacted Cl2, too.
Pellets contg. SiO2 and C, and Cl2-contg. gas are continuously charged into a reaction vessel and then reacted with each other at high temp. to prepare silicon tetrachloride. The reaction is continued while withdrawing reaction residue in amt. 2-50 pts. wt. per 100 pts. wt. charged pellets.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As raw material for fine silica, synthetic quartz, silicon nitride, solar cell or semiconductor body Withdrawal of reaction residue guarantees efficient contact of silica with carbon. Hence, the reaction can be continued under stable conditions over a long time. The withdrawn reaction residue may be recharged into the reaction vessel to increase yield.
The barrier, having metal oxide uniformly distributed throughout its pores and at least one face free from metal oxide, is mfd. by (a) providing a porous sintered plaque of an Ni, Cy, Ni-Cu alloy or Ni alloy contg. up to 10 wt.% Cr, having a median pore size 1-10 micron and a pore vol. 40-75%; (b) immersing in a fluid organo-metallic precursor for an oxide of Al, Ti, Fe, Zn or Ce; (c) subjecting to vacuum to evacuate the pores and fill them with the fluid; (d) removing fluid from at least one face of the plaque; (e) infiltrating the plaque with water or steam to hydrolyse the precursor within the pores; (f) firing at less than 600 deg.C and above the decomposition temp. of the hydrolysed prod. to form the metal oxide; and (g) firing at 600-700 deg.C to remove any water; with both firings in a reducing atmos. at about atmospheric press. under non-deleterious conditions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bubble pressure barrier is useful in prodn. of electrodes for molten carbonate fuel cells haVing an integral bubble pressure barrier. The small pores fill with electrolyte to prevent cross leakage of electrolyte if the cell tile fails. The tile may be integrally contacted and of reduced thickness, reducing internal resistance.
The fuel cell core, for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant for galvanic output, comprises an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls, each comprising a thin layer of electrolyte (37) or interconnect (39) material respectively, sandwiched between a layer of anode material (30) and a layer of cathode material (32). Separate sections of electrolyte walls are arranged between separate sections of interconnect walls to define core passages alternately having faces of only anode or only cathode materials, for passage of fuel or oxidant respectively.    The core is mfd. by separately depositing anode, cathode electrolyte and interconnect materials onto deposits of like material, to simultaneously build up all the electrolyte and interconnect walls along their length, i.e. axially of the core passage. The deposits are made using templates in the required core pattern, with repetitive application of the sequence of separate materials. The deposited structure is heat cured to fuse materials and deposits togehter, forming a monolithic dimensionally stable core.    ADVANTAGE -   The core passageways can be formed with virtually any cross section, however, complex. The passageways may be small and walls thin, for short current paths, reduced resistance and min. diffusion losses.
(JP93027230-B)      Fuel cell comprises a pair of collecting plates contacted with a fuel side electrode and oxidiser side electrode. The collecting plates are porous metal mats made by sintering fibrous metal compacts.    Used for fused carbonate electrolyte type cells. (J60014769-A)
(JP93060236-B)      Producing sealant for sealing end of fuel cell comprises rolling a mixt. of a fine powder filler, fine powder bulk material, solvent and fluororesin powder into a sheet, then heat treating it to remove the bulk material.    USE -   Used for making matrix type fuel cells. (J60014766-A)
(JP93050104-B)      Fused carbonate type fuel cell comprises a layer of composite oxide composed of Li and conductive metal formed on the surface of a collector attached to one face of an oxidiser electrode formed on one side of an electrolyte holder.    USE -   For energy sources substituting for petroleum. (J60012670-A)
A fuel cell comprises (i) a pair of spaced apart gas diffusion electrodes; (ii) a porous electrolyte-retaining matrix confined in the space between the electrodes, the matrix having a porosity of at least 38% and consisting of 70-90 wt.% silicon carbide and a balance of polyether sulphone as binder; and (iii) phosphoric acid electrolyte disposed within the matrix.    Pref. the polyethersulphone consists essentially of repeating units -p-C6H4-SO2-p-C6H4-O- and has a number ave. mol. wt. of at least 17,000, esp. at least 25,000. The electrolyte-retaining matrix pref. comprises 70-90 wt.% silicon carbide and 10-20 wt.% polyethersulphone.    ADVANTAGE -   The porous silicon carbide/polyethersulphone materials have improved strength and good wettability and bubble pressure characteristics compared to prior art materials.
In recovering noble metal from fuel cell generator used catalytic electrodes contg. noble metal, the electrode is burned by using the noble metal contained in it as catalyst and the resulting solid is treated to recover noble metal.    ADVANTAGE -   The process makes it possible to recover noble metal in high yield from used fuel cell generator.    In an example in a quartz container was placed 100 g of powder contg. 2.5 % wt. Pt and 0.7 % wt. Ru obtd. by grinding anode and cathode of used methanol-oxygen fuel cell, and the container was heated at 1000 deg. C for 3 hr. The amt. of the solid so obtd. was 8.6 g. The solid was treated by the process of this invention. As the result 2.75 g Pt and 0.66 g of Ru were recovered of purity was 99.9 %.
Membranes comprise (1) one layer contg. cation exchange gps. on pendant chains and (2) other layer contg. anion exchange gps. on the pendant chain, and (3) main chain comprising perfluoro-carbon polymers.    Pref. cation exchange gps. include sulphonic acid gps. and/or carboxylic acid gps. and the anion exchange gps. include quat. ammonium gps. Pref. (1) and (2) comprise repeating units of formula (I) and (II) respectively. (X is F or CF3; Y is SO3M or COOM (M: an alkali metal); l : 0 or 1-5; m: 0 or 1; n: 1 or 2-5; p and q: positive numbers, p/q: 2-16; Z: a quaternary ammonium gp.-contg. gp.). (1) and (2) are pref. 5-300 micron thick. The membranes are plane film or tubular.    ADVANTAGE -   The membranes resist repetition of drying and swelling and are not released and have chemical and solvent resistance. They are used as separators for fuel batteries and for hydrolysis of salt solns.
The fuel cell comprises (a) a cathode of electrically conducting or semiconducting La-contg. material catalytic for the cathode reaction; (b) an electrolyte contd. in a matrix of La perovskite material; and (c) an anode. In an embodiment using a cathode of LaMnO3, the electrolyte matrix may be formed of LiAlO2 or Li2TiO3.    Pref. the cathode material is LaNiO3, LaMnO3, La2NiO4 or LaCoO3. The electrolyte matrix is LaAlO3 or mixed La-Ti oxides. The cell uses conventional molten carbonate electrolyte, e.g. eutectic mixt. of 62 mole.% Li2CO3, 38 mole.% K2CO3, m.pt. 491 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix materials avoid decompsn. of the La contg. cathode catalyst, providing stable fuel cell operation at 1250 deg. F or above.
An electrolytic cell has two electrodes of opposite plarity sepd. by a porous electrolyte medium. Respective manifolds provide reactive fluids to the electrodes.    A sealing arrangement includes transition frames engaging marginal surfaces of the porous medium and extending outwardly to circumscribe the manifolds. Sealing rings are disposed between the respective transition frames.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement may be used with a stack of fuel cells using molten carbonate salts as electrolyte for electric current generation. The sealing system prevents cross-leakage of reactant gases, e.g. air and hydrogen, between the two manifolds.
A fuel cell core having parallel and cross flow passageways for fuel and oxidant comprises (a) spaced parallel electrolyte walls, each comprising a sheet of solid electrolyte material sandwiched between anode and cathode materials; and (b) interconnect walls arranged between adjacent pairs of electrolyte walls and cooperating with them to define the flow passageways, each comprising a wavy sheet of inert material having small spaced plugs of contact material through it, sandwiched between anode and cathode materials so the spaced plugs interconnect anode and cathode materials.    Each wavy interconnect sheet contacts the adjacent electrolyte walls along spaced parallel linear contact areas to define one tier of parallel flow passageways for fuel and oxidant gas. Alternate tiers have flow passageways in orthogonal direction. Solid mechanical connections are provided between interconnect walls of adjacent tiers on opposite sides of a common electrolyte wall only at point-like contact areas where the linear contact areas cross one another.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure minimises the adverse effects of differential thermal expansion of the materials. Manifolding of fuel and oxidant gases to the stacked tier array of flow passages is facilitated.
A cooler comprises a plate (2) with both faces grooved (4,12) to carry cooling gas, and two outer plates (3,11) each with one flat face which abuts the first plate to form flow channels with the grooves, and with its outer face having grooves (7,15) shallower than those of the first plate and carrying process gas. All plates are of carbonised material.    The grooves in one face of the first plate are pref. designed to provide a given amount of cooling, and those in the other face the remaining cooling required. The plates are formed initially e.g. from graphite/resin material. The plate assembly can be supported in a stack without adhesive, or with adhesive bonding applied to the plate sides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for fuel cell stack, eliminating misalignment problems and attendant losses in conductivity and change in gas flow.
A potentiostat which functions as a self-afdsdjustable load in combination with a fuel cell comprises an input electrometer circuit measuring potential between ref. electrode and cell working electrode, and a variable ref. offset voltage source circuit preselecting a potential for the working electrode and algebraically combining the electrometer output potential with the selected potential to produce a diff. signal between actual working electrode and selected potentials.    The signal is passed through a voltage amplifier circuit to a dynamic load circuit and the impedance of the dynamic load is regulated to adjust the half-cell potential of the working electrode to the selected level. The potentiostat can also be used with a battery cell.
Fuel is catalytically cracked at less than 30 Torr pressure and 250 deg. C to manufacture a synthesised gas containing H2 and CO as the main components. H2 gas as a main component is sepd. from the synthesised gas, and the H2 gas or high H2 content gas supplied as the fuel for a fuel cell. The gas containing CO, CH4, etc. removed in the sepn. step is employed as a heat source required in the above catalytic cracking reaction step.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas is employed as fuel for a motive force converting device other than the fuel cell and the thermal energy from the device is employed as a heat source for the catalytic cracking reaction. Provides a simple and economical treatment of the fuel.
Fuel cell (I) is operated in combination with chemical prod. forming electrochemical cell (II) by: converting the current and voltage output of (I) to match the operating current and voltage of (II); and supplying the converted current and voltage to (II). Pref. the chemical prod(s) of (II) provide at least part of the fuel for (I); heat from (I) may also be used in the process of (II).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Appts. comprising (I), (II) and an electrical converter is also claimed.    Specifically where (II) is a chlor-alkali cell and (I) is an H2 fuel cell. In another typical use, (II) is an adiponitrile cell which produces O2 for use in (I). Method results in high electrical efficiency by allowing (I) and (II) to operate under their prefd. voltages and currents independent of each other. By-prods. from (II) may be used in (I).
The cell includes an elongated casing having (a) an anode compartment at one end contg. fluid BO fuel gas; (b) a liq. compartment (L) adjacent the anode contg. fluid anolyte; (c) an ion exchange compartment contg. a fluid ionolyte; and (d) a cathode compartment at the other end of the casing contg. fluid cathode fuel (oxidant); (e) an anode plate (Ap) between and sepg. BO gas and anolyte, including an electron collector coextensive with the interface between BO and anolyte carrying a catalyst material and connected with a terminal for coupling to an external circuit, and a gas permeable hydrophobic membrane at the interface between and sepg. the BO from the catalyst; (f) a cationic membrane (Mc) between the anolyte and ionolyte; and (g) a cathode plate (Cp) between and sepg. the ionolyte and cathode fuel, including an electron distributor coextensive with the interface between ionolyte and cathode fuel connected with a terminal for coupling to the external circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell provides high power operation, with a theoretical net cell voltage 5.995V using H2O2 cathode fuel or 5.448 using O2 as cathode fuel. B has low at. wt. 10.811, and can provide 44,600.7 kW/kg.
A slurry of electrolyte and active metal powder of particles enters the chamber through a port and into the space between the anode and the cathode assembly. As the slurry passes through the anode and out to chamber the anode and cathode are rotated creating a gravity field force which results in the metal collecting on the walls of the anode until a compact anode is built up to a desired thickness. The electrolyte, depleted of active metal, exists through neck portion into chamber. From the chamber the spent electrolyte is delivered to a heat exchange.    Air is pumped into the cathode assembly through the neck portion. The air is initially filtered and passed through a carbon dioxide remover-scrubber. The air with appropriate moisture enters into the air cathode assembly where it reacts with the cathode material collector and hydrophylic layer. Air leaves the cathode assembly through neck portion. A microprocessor provides control of induced gravity, flow rates, temp. and other variables.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electric vehicle. Unnecessary for dense or fast moving slurry. Abrasion of cathode and shorting are avoided. Is compact and has reduced internal impedance.
The carbon mould (pref. the thickness is 0.1-5 mm) has electric specific resistance of upto 0.03 ohm -cm, air permeation 0.0001 sq.cm./sec., and consists of 10-25 wt.% thermo setting resin as a binder, and graphite powder having aspect ratio upto 3, particle size upto 104 microns plus 10-80% of which are at most 50 microns).    In the prodn. 100 pts. wt. graphite powder is mixed with 12-34 pts. wt. thermosetting resin having at least 65% non-volatile components (at 135 deg. C, 1 hour, by JIS K-6909). The mixt. is kneaded and moulded, then cured to produce the carbon mould.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mould is esp. suitable as a separator for fuel cells (using hydrogen or alcohol etc. as a fuel).
Control system for an endothermic fuel reforming reaction comprises: fuel gas and steam feed controls; a reformed gas flow control, means for detecting the rate of change of the external load; and a reaction pressure controller responsive to the rate of change of load, the pressure being controlled below a preset steady-state value when the rate of change of load is outside a predetermined range.    Load change is pref. determined as a change in rate of current output from the fuel cell. Reaction pressure control is obtd. by computing a preset value for the reformer from signals obtd. from the rate of load change detector and the reaction pressure detector.    ADVANTAGE -   Constant temp. control is achieved in the reaction, enhancing the efficiency of the system. (First major country equivalent to J59213601-A)
Method comprises (a) reacting test sample, one of ATP or NAD which is not to be determined, water soluble salt which can release Mg ion or Mn ion and NAD-kinase for forming ADP or NADP, (b) practicing a cycling reaction for NADP using (i) a reagent for forming reduced-type NADP consisting of NADP-anaclitic dehydrogenase and the reduced-type substrate for NADP-anaclitic dehydrogenase use and (ii) a NADP-forming reagent consisting of an other NADP-anaclitic dehydrogenase and an oxidised-type substrate for NADP-anaclitic dehydrogenase use and (c) determining the detectable amt. of the substance related to the reactions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   ATP or NAD can be determined with high sensitivity through simple processes and the process can be easily automated. The method can be adapted for a test sample contg. a cpd. which can release ATP or NAD.
Each electrolyte plate (1) is of solid oxide (3), having a coating (4) of porous oxidiser electrode on one surface and a coating (5) of porous fuel electrode on the other surface. Each conductor plate (2) has a groove network (6) of gas passages on each surface, defined by ridges (7) which electrically contact the electrode coatings on the electrolyte. The conductor plates also have circumferential ridges along their edges defining gas seals and contacting coatings on the electrolyte plates having the same compsn. as the electrode coatings. Electrical connections are provided to tap electricity from, or introduce electricity into, the converter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The converter may be operated as a fuel cell (electricity generator) or an electrolyser (fuel synthesiser). It is rugged in operation and handling, flexible in fuel and oxidant selection and provides low electrical or fuel losses.
High temp. electrochemical cell configurations comprise a number of axially elongated annular cells, each having annular inner and outer electrodes (26, 36) with an electrolyte (30) between them. A discontinuity is provided in the outer electrode and electrolyte through which a conductive interconnect (34) contacts a segment (32) of the inner electrode (28) along a selected axial length, while being electronically isolated from the outer electrode. The cells are positioned adjacent each other with conductive insert (40) between adjacent cells, so the cells are connected in series, with the inner electrode of one cell coupled to the outer electrode of an adjacent cell through the conductive interconnect and conductive insert. In some configurations, selected cells are connected in parallel, with their outer electrodes coupled through the conductive inserts.    A fuel cell structure for such a configuration comprises (i) an axially elongated porous support (26); (ii) a first electrode (28) surrounding an axial portion of the tube; (iii) a gas tight electrolyte (30) partly surrounding the first electrode as an axially extending radial segment; (iv) a conductive interconnect (34) in the segment, coupled to the first electrode; and (v) a porous second electrode (36) partly surrounding the electrolyte and spaced from the interconnect.    ADVANTAGE -   The configurations provide densely packed cells, with interconnects between elongated surface for high reliability and low ohmic losses. The cell assembly provides desired voltage and current.
A mixt. of BaCO3 or SrCO3 (I), a stoichiometric amt. of TiO2, alkali metal carbonate solvent salt (II), a BaTiO3 or SrTiO3 seed (III) is heated at 600-1200 deg. C to melt solvent (II) and react TiO2 and carbonate (I) therein. The corresp. BaTiO3 or SrTiO3 is pptd. onto seed (III) to form a titanate powder prod. (IV) of size 0.3-14 microns. (I) is present in the mixt. in an amt. of 2-10 wt.% above stoichiometric.    Seed (III) has a crystal size of submicron to 10 micron and is used in an amt. of 50-90 wt.% of the titanate present on completion of reaction. 20-70 wt.% of salt (II) is used by wt. of the total amt. of reactants and solvent salt (II); (II) Is Na2CO3, K2CO3; Li2CO3 or their mixts. Prod (IV) is partic. recovered by dissolving away carbonate (II).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. (IV) has narrow average size crystal distribution. Prod. pptes. spontaneously from molten solvent (II); reactants continuously dissolve to maintain a reactant satd. solvent. (IV) is impurity free, has good dielectric properties and can pressed at room temp. into a green body, e.g. a SrTiO3 electrolyte supporting matrix in a molten carbonate fuel cell. Sintered or hot pressed prods. can also be obtd. from the body, e.g. for use in capacitors or circuitry.
Device is formed by: forming a non-single crystal layer of first type on a substrate; adding a non-single crystal intrinsic layer; adding a non-single crystal layer of secon type; irradiating the surface to crystallise selectively the outer layer; and irradiating the surface at a different wavelength to crystallise selectively a portion of the intrinsic layer adjacent the outer layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Conversion efficiency of the device is enhanced. (First major country equivalent to J60224282-A)
The turbine is formed from polyester or carbon fibre. The cone is mounted to rotate on a horizontal axis (3) and, if used as a windvane, includes a rudder to turn it according to the wind direction.    If used as a hydraulic turbine the device may be of the order of 1.5m in diameter and used in water flowing at 4-5km/hr to drive an alternator generating electricity. The wind vane version may have a diameter of 2-4m and operate in breezes of 1 or 2m/s.    USE -   Generation of electricity from wind or water for isolated houses, lighthouses, pumping equipment and for use on boats.
The reproduction unit has a connected detector or loudspeaker in addition to the programmed time module as an integrated circuit. Its circuit supply is provided by a photovoltive transducer assembly, pref. series-connected solar cells of e.g. polycrystalline, monocrystalline, or amorphous silicon.    The reproduction unit is louvred in part-transparent casing, with the solar cells mounted in the casing transparent part. If the casing is made of transparent plastics, the detector or loursheaker ar fitted in a preformed casing aperture. A flap may be fitted to the casing for light impingement control.    USE -   For light-dependent music or speech reproduction, e.g. for toys, ornamental music boxes etc.
A tide-operated water turbine (30) is located in a holding tank (16) communicating with a tidal fed reservoir (14) to supply the turbine with operating water. A control system causes the turbine to discharge into the sea through a turbine discharge port (32) in an ocean-fronting wall (26) of the holding tank (16) at times during each tide cycle when the tidal level is below the discharge port (32) but closes the discharge port (32) and causes the turbine to discharge into the holding tank (16) at times when the tidal level is above the discharge port (32).    The system also provides drainage of the holding tank through a drain port (34) and includes control assemblies (42,44) for ports (32,34) and a drawbridge (38) for expelling turbine sluice water into the open sea through port (32).    ADVANTAGE -   system operates automatically to provide continuous turbine operation.
A photoelectric converting device comprises a photoelectric converting means a photoelectric converting element of a sandwich structure in which the photoconductive layer (I) is sandwiched by a layer electrode formed on a substrate and a light permeable upper electrode (II), a sitottky junction is formed between (I) and (II), and a passivation film directly covering the photoelectric converting means.    The improvement is the passivation film having a thickness of 1-100,micron, and being formed by heating and hardening a mixt. fo silicone bare polymer having a number ave. mol.wt. of 6000-9000 and a wt. ave. mol. wt. of 30x10power3-40x10power3 silicone oligomer having mol. wt. of 6700-1500.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoelectric converting device is stable with time even when environmental conditions are changed. The passivation film formed can be bonded tightly and stably to the device. The curing temp. of the passivation film is relatively low, and so the sensor is not susceptible to adverse influence during formation of the film. (First mamor country equivalent to J60220967-A)
Rigid, ultra lightweight substrate is made from a thermoset plastic film by (a) forming ribs in a first sheet of the film by: (i) placing the sheet over a female mould of a desired configuration including elongated parallel grooves therein corresponding to the ribs to be formed in the sheet; (ii) urging the sheets into the grooves by means of male mating bars; and (iii) applying heat and pressure to the assemblage of the female mould, first sheet, and mating bars to thereby form a first ribbed sheet; (b) repeating step (a) on a second sheet of film to thereby form a second ribbed sheet; (c) removing the mating bars from the assemblages used in steps (a) and (b); (d) bonding the first and second ribbed sheets together with the ribs of the first sheet generally at right angles to the ribs on the second sheet and with the ribs of each sheet facing away from each other, the bonding including the application of an adhesive to the mating surfaces of the ribbed sheets, with the ribbed sheets held in the desired configuration in the female moulds by a vacuum; (e) curing the adhesive to bond the ribbed sheets together so that the ribs will not collapse; and (f) removing the bonded ribbed sheets from the female moulds.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar arrays used to generate power for spacecraft include substrates having solar cells mounted thereon, and there is an increased need for substrates which are rigid, lightweight, deployable and retractable and have high resistivity to ultraviolet light.
Photosensors (16) associated with different alphanumeric characteris are connected in parallel by a common electrode deposited between them and an insulating substrate. The photosensors can be formed as an integral body formed on same substrate at the same time as logic circuitry, and can be photoresistors or photovoltaic cells. Individual photosensors are coupled to an analogue switch (28) which detect the electrical characteristic of each photosensor (16) in sequence.    Input key identities are coupled by the decoder (30) to a memory element or latch (32). Each sensed electrical characteristic is compared with a threshold voltage (38). When the analogue signal from a photosensor calls below this threshold, the comparator is triggered and the latch (32) retains the signal from it and the identity from the decoder. Any valid key input signal is coupled to appropriate logic (39) and display circuitry (40,42).    ADVANTAGE -   Is compact and lightweight and contains no moving parts susceptible to wear.
The solar energy converter includes a frame-or box-shaped supporting structure (10) for accommodating an absorber (5) carrying a heat-conducting medium and combined with the photovoltaic solar cells (3).    The supporting structure (10) comprises a glass covering plate (2) to which the solar cell surfaces facing the absorber (5) are fixed. The covering plate (2) is separated from the absorber in such a way that no heat conduction, or very little, exists between the solar cells (3) and the absorber (5). Pref. an air or vacuum space is provided between the covering plate (2) for the solar cells and the absorber (5).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simultaneous conversion of solar radiation into electrical and thermal energy. Solar cells operate at optimal efficiency.
The module includes a base plate or board (1) mechanically joined to a carrier board (2) to which the solar cell panels (3) are attached and the carrier board (2) can be fixed in a position at an angle to the base board (1). The angle can be adjusted by turning the board (2) relative to the axis (5) or to both axes (4, 5) running mutually normal to one another in the plane of the base board (1).    The two axes (4, 5) correspond to the angle of slope of a roof or to a horizontal line, and for adjustment of the carrier board (2) relative to the base board (1), a click-stop device (7) is provided.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photovoltaic solar cell panels for roof-top installation on buildings. Gives optimum adjustment of the solar cells independently of the development plan for a building relative to the position and movement of the sun.
The solar power generator includes a metal electrode (12) for the protection diode connected to the battery substrate in order to protect the battery cells during operation in the reverse direction. The protection diode is formed by the three amorphous silicon semiconductor layers (2,3,4).    The connection wire (10) joins one metal electrode (6) of one solar battery cell to the metal electrode (7) of an adjacent solar battery cell, and a wire (11) joins the protection diode's metal electrode (12) to the electrode (7) of the adjacent solar battery cell. Both the protection diode electrode (12) and the electrode (5,6) for the solar battery cell are arranged on the amorphous silicon semiconductor layers (2,3,4) and are mutually electrically isolated from one another.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Current supply units. Avoids possible 5,6/7) during soldering of small components e.g. silicon diodes and has reduced mfg. time.
The carrier for the cells of a solar generator, and a flexible generator in space in particular is produced in which the cells are connected together electrically, fitted with cover glasses and preferably glued to the carrier. The carrier material is glass cloth, to which a liquid resin is applied to the points of intersection of the fibres; the solvent in the resin is evaporated off and the liquid resin is cured so as bind the fibres together. The cell adhesive is a transparent silicone adhesive.    Solar generator, with two solar cells (2,3) are glued on with transparent silicone rubber (4) to the substrate (1). The adhesive is applied by a silk screen printing method on to substrate or underside of the cells. The cells are connected electrically (5) and have top cover glasses (6,7).    The glass cloth substrate (1) is treated with polyester at the crossing points of its fibres. It can also be strengthened with resins at set points e.g. a plastic film of polyimide or polycarbonate, applied as a solution and then dried and/or cured afterwards. All the resins can be used by impregnating the fabric in areas or completely; alternatively they can be applied to the points concerned e.g. by roller and mask or by silk screen.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate for the cells has low weight, high light transmittivity and max. stiffness.
(JP92033146-B)      Back side protective sheet for solar cell module comprises a heat-resistive film formed on the inner surface of a heat-resistive and weather-resistive resin film and adhesive resin layer formed on the heat resistive film.    Used for solar energy utilisations. (J60201652-A)
The water energy conversion system comprises a water delivery system and an eccentrically mounted receptacle (7) carried on an axis placed below its half height and restored to its equilibrium position by a counterweight (9) fitted at its base.    The receptacle is filled with water from the water delivery conduits, moving downward as it fills. The base of the receptacle is coupled to a lever which operates a hydraulic force amplifier using a small piston hydraulically coupled to a large piston. The large piston is coupled to a mass which, during its descent, operates an electric dynamo (6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion to electric energy of flow energy of water derived from drainage water outflows, domestic water supplies, or natural water courses.
The stator (5) of the pump is terminated in inlet and exhaust flanges (2,7) within which the rotor shaft (1) rotates in ball bearings or tapered roller bearings (4). The shaft carries a single helical paddle (S) whose pitch is equal to its dia., so that once during each revolution it sweeps the entirety of the cylindrical useful vol. (6,6').    The linear speed and vol. flow rate are high enough to drive the largest alternators within a limit of 340m/sec at the end of the paddle for a speed of about 1000 rev/sec.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For hydroelectric alternator drive, ship propulsion air compression or ventilation, pump is simple, robust and efficient in recircling limited quantity of water (e.g. a few tens of cubic metres) in closed circuit.
Reduced dia. of the hydraulic power set is ensured with rotary blades motor hollow shaft carrying the rotor of the electrical machine and the impeller. The blades of the impeller are turned when a greater torque is reqd. and is carried out with the piston operated spid er, the cylinder of which is attached to the shaft of the rotor.    In the case of a pressure variation, the impeller blades (3) are tilted by un-screwing the nuts (12) and connecting one of the chambers of the cylinder (5) to the pressure source, while the other chamber is then open to the drain. The blades are then tilted by the spider (4) connected to the piston rod (7). The position of the blades during the rotation of the hydraulic set is maintained by nuts (12) holding the flange (9).    ADVANTAGE -   The controlled tilt of impeller blades increases the specific power of the hydraulic set while maintaining the dia. of the impeller. Bul.16/30.4.85
A semi-rigid foldable solar generator, for use in satellites and spacecraft, consists of several cells, each with a cover glass and welded by connectors to the next. Carbon fibre strips cover the connectors and are joined at the outstanding ends by second carbon fibre strips. Carbon fibre frames enclose at least two subsections and are assembled with hinges to a solar generator.    ADVANTAGE -   This is a lightweight modular design which functions reliably and folds up easily.
Integrated solar cell comprises a transparent support; a transparent electrode formed of parallel strips; semiconductor layer formed of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the el-ctrode strips but extends over the other edge; and a back side electrode layer in the form of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the semiconductor strips but extends over the other edge.    A dimensional relationship between the components is given.    ADVANTAGE -   The output per unit area of the cell is optimised. (First major country equivalent to J60182757-A)
Power generator consists of a hollow casing (1) contg. a grid of working plates (2) and a generator and is designed to convert the movement of water into electrical power.    The set is also equipped with a grid of guide plates (3) while the power is generated by means of piezoelectric films with opposite polarity on the working plates, sepd. by electrodes (6) with insulated outlets. The rear sections of the guide plates and/or the inlet ends of the working plates are made with lengthwise slots, and both the guide and working plates are corrugated in cross-section, with adjacent plates in the grids set in symmetrical pairs.    The flow of water over the plates causes pressure pulses on the working plates from both sides which are converted by the piezoelectric films into electricity.    ADVANTAGE -   Less amt. of working parts, resulting in lighter weight. Bul.14/15.4.85
The system combines a cylindrical rotor shell with a conduit shaft. The rotor is a sealed vessel of considerable volume having a large capacity of buoyancy able to support the combined total weight of the complete assembly including the conduit shaft and the power generating equipment in the rotor inner space. The whole construction floats on a water surface with a submergence line just below the lowest point of the centrally located conduit shaft.    Rotor shell is supported on a number of radial internal arms spaced along the conduit shaft. The arms have split housings to accommodate the journals and shaft. Bearings shaft bearings which allow the rotor free rotary motion on the shaft in either direction.    ADVANTAGE -   Produces commercially useful power output by converting low speed rotary motion with high torque on rotor hub into fast rotary or reciprocating motion by augmenting transmission for operation of hydraulic pumps, compressors or electric generators.
The power plant uses a fixed weir set up in a water flow path, incorporating an inner shaft (1) containing a vertically displac-d displaced float (4). The water level within the inner shaft (1) is controlled by openings at the bottom selectively communicating with the upstream and downstream water to obtain reciprocation of the float (4) for driving a work cylinder (8). This acts as a double action piston pump for a hydropneumatic press accumulator (30) providing fluid under press for driving a turbine (20) linked to a generator.    Pref. the fluid is contained in a closed cycle with the turbine discharge flow fed directly to the suction side of the work cylinder (8).
Process for preparing an amorphous silicon semiconductor by treating a Si cpd. under conditions causing it to undergo photolysis and plasma decomposition comprises: (a) irradiating the cpd. with light of sufficient wavelength and intensity to decompose it; and (b) subjecting the product to glow discharge.    ADVANTAGE -   The amorphous Si semiconductor device can be prepared at an increased growth rate compared with prior art, without impairing the properties of the device.
The standard mechanical link (e.g. shaft coupling) between the turbo alternator and the flywheel is superseded by an electrical connection to a motor, which responds to abrupt changes of network load by modifying the rotational speed of the flywheel.    The motor acts as a temporary auxiliary generator while the network is overloaded, and as a supplementary load when the energy generated is in excess of the requirements. The inertia to be overcome is reduced greatly, allowing use of a much smaller flywheel.    ADVANTAGE -   The position of the motor-driven flywheel is not critical and the electrical link can be disconnected to protect the flywheel against damage by overspeeding in the event of racing of the turbine.
Solar cell package comprises: a glass substrate with a first surface for receiving light anf a second surface with a solar cell element; a spaced backplate on the second surface and connected via a peripheral frame; a sealing resin around the inside of the frame sealing the space between backplate and second surface; a layer of dessicant on the inner surface of the backplate; and leads from the solar cell element. Dessicant is pref. a zeolite.    ADVANTAGE -   Package provides good protection for the cell and permits cell to withstand harsh conditions over a long period; it is low cost and can be mass produced. (First major country equivalent to J60170270-A)
A heated substrate is placed in the plasma of a gas contg. fluorinated silane with at least one H-atom per mol., pref. a partially fluorinated silane or disilane in a quantity of at least 0.1 vol.%, pref. at least 10 vol.%, in a mixt. also contg. at least 0.1 vol.%, pref. at least 10 vol.%, of silane or disilane in an inert gas. The substrate temp. is pref. 150-500 deg.C and the gas pressure is 0.133-2664 Pa, with a discharge energy density of 0.0001 to 10 W/sq.cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fluorinated silanes are safer to use. The method achieves a high deposition rate at a low power density. The prod. is suitable for use in photo-electric devices.
Integral solar cell panel comprises a number of interconnected solar cells attached to a fibre-reinforced polyimide film substrate in which the solar cells are bonded to the surface of the polyimide film by the final curing of the polyimide. The front surface of the solar cells may be provided with a transparent protective polymer coating, e.g. of polyimide resin.    ADVANTAGE -   Process allows prodn. of low cost, lightweight solar cell array panels without a separate stage of adhesively bonding the cells to the substrate, and without using a preformed reinforced polyimide laminate.
The solar module includes a number of metallic conductor strips deposited on at least one transparent conductor layer of each cell. The strips are positioned substantially normal to one edge of the conductor layer. A second metallic conductor strip is deposited on the conductor layer of each cell, and is positioned along the edge and interconnects one end of each of the first strips.    The second strip of each cell extends laterally onto the substrate from the cells. The other of the first and second conductor layers of each cell extends laterally on the from the cells. Thesemiconductor layer is a continuous unpatterned sheet for all cells, and interconnection between adjacent cells is made by contacting the extended portion of the second metallic conductor strips with the extended portion of the other conductor of an adjacent cell at a point on the substrate laterally displaced from the semiconductor sheet.    ADVANTAGE -   Has reduced effective resistivity. /3
The appts. comprises in combination floats adapted to move in a vertical plane in response to the rise and fall of the body of liquid and devices associated with the floats for converting the vertical movement into reciprocating rotational movement of a first shaft. A ratcheted differential is adapted to convert the reciprocating rotational movement of the first shaft into rotational movement of a second shaft in a single direction. The ratcheted differential is associated with first gear train for increasing the rate of rotational movement of the first or second shaft.    The rotational movement of the second shaft to a first sprocketed sheave, and second gear train connect the rotatable main shaft to a second sprocketed sheave and is adapted to cause a rate of rotation of the rotatable main shaft greater than the rate of rotation of the second sprocketed sheave.    USE -   For deriving energy from the rise and fall of a body of liquid to drive a rotatable main shaft associated with a power.
(JP92076231-B)      Sheet comprises a heat resistive film, on the inside of which an electrically insulative glassy moisture-proof film is found. A filler sheet is laminated on the inside of this film.    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J60164348-A)
Method is characterised by heat treating the Al-substrate in vacuum prior to evapn.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for mfg. solar cells (evaporated with amorphous Si), and polygon mirrors (al. SiO2), and is effective in eliminating various surface defects such as blisters, cracks and pin holes that harm the image of electrophotograph. Gases contd. in Al substrate or adsorbed on th substrate surface can be removed, since prior to evaporation, vacuum heating is applied.
The appts. includes a frame which is fixed relative to the varying level of the body of water, and includes a float operably associated with the frame for movement in response to the varying level of the water. A rotatable drum is attached to the float and has a drive line with a middle portion wrapped around the rotatable drum.    Upper and lower ends of the drive line are attached to upper and lower portions of the frame. Movement of the float upward or downward relative to the frame causes the rotatable drum to be rotated due to its engagement with the drive line. A power transfer appts. transmits the rotary motion of the drum to a generator.
The generator comprises a closed, cylindrical metal or plastics float with longitudinal vanes rotated by the flow stream. The rotation of these vanes is used to drive a generator housed within the cylinder, via a hydraulic or mechanical drive.    Pref. the cylindrical float is supported so that the vanes are transverse to the flow direction via a carrier in the shape of a ship's hull providing protection against debris. The carrier is designed to obtain max. utilisation of the flow current for a range of differing flow rates.    USE -   For autonomous electricity generation.
Each panel consists of electrically connected photoelectric elements (2). The panels are located next to one another in a foldable pocket (1) open at one side. The panels are separated by a distance large enough for the pocket to fold over on itself to make a stack convenient for transportation.    The electrical connections (3,4) of each panel are connected via flexible metal fabric (7) worked into the pocket. The fabric strips run along the edges of the unfolded pocket. Contact rails and contact screws (7) mechanically join the panels to the conductors and the pocket and allow tapped voltages to be taken.    ADVANTAGE -   Several panels can be interconnected without cables and can be easily transported.
(JP92076230-B)      Sheet comprises a moisture-proof resin film of a vinylene-chloride-vinyl chloride copolymer film, laminate of this film or a polyolefin film etc..    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J60148175-A)
A method for preparing a device emitting visable electroluminescence at room temperature when the device is electrically contacted and carries are injected is claimed. The device is comprised of a layer of doped amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) on a substrate. The method includes depositing a-Si:H by thermally induced homogenous CVD onto a substrate, with bandgap Eo between 1.6-2.6 eV and hydrogen being in the range 12-50 atomic percent; doping the a-Si. H layer in-site to a doping level greater than 10 power16 carriers /cm3; and electrically contacting the device.    Mfr. of the device comprises locating a substrate in a reactor including a thermal furnace introducing the source gases containing silicon and hydrogen and a dopant into the reactor and producing sufficient temperature to pyrolyse the gases and cause homogenous decomposition; passing the decomposed gases to the vicnity of the substrate at a temperature below 200 degrees Celsius and condensing the silicon, hydrogen and dopant onto the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A method for producing high energy electroluminescent devices capable of emitting visible light at room temperature, and using homogenous chemical vapour deposition and in-site doping to produce amorphous silicon: hydrogen thin films of optical bandgaps between 1.6-2.6 eV. (First major country equivalent to JP60147115)
The apparatus comprises a turbo-machine (1) and a rotary electrical machine (3) drive-couPled to the turbo-machine and electrically connected to the network (4) to be supplied When the head of water is lower than a defined value. the turbo-machine (1) is made to rotate at a speed below the speed (ns) of synchronism with the frequency of the electrical network to bring its efficiency near to the centre of the efficiency contrours. For this purpose a frequency converter (7) is inserted between the rotary electrical machine (3) and the network (4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For tidal powerstation. Enables larger production by turbine action and lower consumption in pumping. 1 /2
A housing is formed by a pair of spaced apart plates mounted on a support for pivotal rotation about a vertical axis at the forward end for orienting into the wind. The plates support a number of coaxially disposed sprockets arranged to support a pair of spaced apart drive chains in a quadrilateral configuration. Lift foils are connected and supported between the chains with the configuration supporting the chain for an initial lift mode at the forward end of the housing. A direct impact mode follows with the configuration extending from the front of the housing upward and backward to the rear of the housing.    A negative lift mode is provided having the foils extending from the top rear of the housing to the bottom with the vanes returning via a neutral mode to the front of the housing for repeating the lift cycle. An electrical generator is driven from one or more shafts of the assembly via the chains.    USE -   May be placed in river, irrigation canal, harbour and ocean floor where strong current prevails.
The plant has upper and lower basin level sensors connected to a press. head sensor with output to a rotational speed setter, an electric machine on the same shaft as the hydro-machine and a speed sensor, and a guide regulator, it also includes an async. sync. machine (1) as the electric machine with a direct coupled freq.-changer (7). A power (load) senaor (13) and network freq. sensor (6) are introduced along with a machine regulator (8).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In control of hydro-electric power stations sets, the weighted mean efficiency is increased 4-6% in all four duties as a direct or inverse turbine and direct or inverse pump at two-way (pumped-storage) hydro-electric stations or one-way stations with low press. head. Double conversion of energy is avoided in the electric machine circuit. Bul.14/15.4.84
Appts. for applying an elongated conductor to solar cells to establish electrical connection between the cells conveys the cells past a location at which at least one conductor is fed between adjacent cells. The cells are conveyed to the location at a first rate of speed and spacing and conveyed away from the location at a reduced rate of speed and at a closer spacing. The conductor is soldered into position downstream of the location.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Relatively simple and inexpensive appts. for automatic soldering of conductors to solar cells to electrically connect solar cells in series.
The speed monitoring component comprises a hydraulic pump which is driven at a speed which is at all times in constant proportion to the water turbine speed, and the oil pumped by it flows through a throttle. Oil, the pressure of which is speed-dependent, activates a component for distributing oil to a work cylinder, and is fed from a separate pressure system which is independent of the measurement oil system. A low filter can be used for speed stabilisation, and a part of the functions in the system can be electrical.    The water turbine receives water from a pipe or a sump, and the quantity is regulated by a valve. The turbine drives a generator or other machine, the speed of which requires to be maintained at a constant level. The oil in the measurement system flows through the throttle and back to the measurement suction point, and in the conduit a pressure is produced which is quadratically dependent upon speed. Pressure controls an oil feed regulator to the hydraulic cylinder, which increases or reduces water feed to the turbine. (Provisional Basic advised week 85/29)
Tidal water source is arranged to flow to and from a reservoir via a valve arrangement. A chamber contains a generator and valve arrangement. An inlet gate in the chamber is used via which tidal water is fed to the generator and valve arrangement and via which tidal water is returned to the source. The vertical position of the generator and valve arrangement are controlled such that the generator can be positioned within the chamber so as to be driven as the tide ebbs and flows consequent upon appropriate operation of the valve arrangement.    The valve arrangement comprises two inlet valves and two outlet valves arranged so that the generator can be driven in the same rotary direction when the tide ebbs as when it flows.    ADVANTAGE -   Operates efficiently during various states and conditions of tide.
The generator is coupled to a turbine driven by a fluid flow through a duct. The duct has a one-fourth turn butterfly valve controlled by a fluid-actuated operator. The operator receives fluid from the duct by way of a normally closed valve which, when energised, creates water pressure on the operator for opening the butterfly valve. A second, normally open solenoid provides an emergency exit for the water from the operator to relieve the water pressure and close the butterfly valve. The valve is closed when there is sudden loss of line voltage, overvoltage or deviation in frequency of the line voltage.    A differential pressure switch across the turbine rotor also controls the starting of the system to assure proper flow of fluid through the duct before commencing operation of the generator itself.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents undesirable noise and damage to components.
A control buoy incorporates an electric motor, control box, electrical contact gauge, controlled water extractor and air to counter-balance the weight. The control buoy also includes control limit switches and a winch for anchoring the system just below the waves of the sea. A pressure buoy contains an oil pump operated through a rocker arm by a float buoy. The latter is provided with flanges designed to work with the tide and with whirls from the waves. The float buoy operates the oil pump which then supplies oil under pressure through a non-return valve to an oil pressure accumulator. A concrete block with flexible rings is fixed to an anchor. Four anchor buoys are used with one being the control buoy.    ADVANTAGE -   System is designed to work out at sea in bad conditions.
Photoconductive member is deposited on a substrate by: introducing reaction gas into a deposition vessel; forming a microwave-generated plasma discharge; depositing a blocking layer in presence of a dopant; depositing a photo-conductive layer in absence of dopant; and depositing an insulating blocking layer. Reaction gas pref. contains Si and F.    ADVANTAGE -   High deposition rates are achieved; blocking and/or photoconductive layers are deposited at a rate of at least 100 Angstrom per sec. at a pressure of below 0.1 torr; insulating blocking layer deposition rate is at least 30 Angstroms per sec. (claimed).
A continuous semiconductor body is provided with spaced first and second electrical contacts on respective opposed surfaces of the body, forming photovoltaic cells with the cells series-connected.    The connection comprises openings extending through the semiconductor body with an electrical contact of one cell extending into the openings to provide a connection with an opposed e electrical contact of the next adjacent cell.
(JP93018276-B)      Prodn. comprises forming 1st grooves into a conductive film to form 1st electrodes, forming a non-single crystal semiconductor layer on the 1st grooves and electrodes, and selectively removing the semiconductor layer on the 1st electrodes to from 2nd grooves.    Used for photoelectric converters. (J58232535-A)
Hydraulic turbine consists of a chamber housing a rotor (2) with the blades (3) attached to its hub by rotary spindles (4). The chamber also contains a ferromagnetic ring (5) round the outside of the rotor, connected to the rotor blades' outer ends by additional spindles (6), and a magnetic field source (7) attached to the walls of the chamber (1) above the ring.    When the turbine is in operation the magnetic field source attracts the ring vertically upwards together with the blade ends, creating a peripheral support for the blades to balance the pressure from the falling water on the rotor, and this prevents the blades from bending. The attraction of the magnet is varied according to the water pressure, so that the blade ends are maintained at a constant height.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved power characteristics, cavitation properties and vibration resistance. Bul.2/15.1.85.
Hydraulic turbine consists of a hub (1) with the blades (2) attached to it by rotary spindles (3), and an outer ferromagnetic ring (4) with a power source (5) above it. The outer ring is equipped with a series of ferromagnetic plates (6) and an additional magnetic power source (7), located concentrically with the ring. The outer ends of the blades have additional spindles (8), located coaxially with their main spindles, with the ferromagnetic plates attached to the tips of these and interacting with the additional magnetic power source.    As the turbine rotates the ring is attracted by the first magnetic power source, proving a support for the blade ends, while the plates are attracted by the additional magnetic power source, turning them on their pivots. The power of the additional ring is variable, providing the correct feathering angle for the blades.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced hub diameter, permitting increased turbine throughput. Bul.2/15.1.85.
A thin film solar cell array comprises (a) multiple unit cell elements each having a first electrode, a thin semiconductor film and a transparent second electrode successively deposited on the front surface of a flexible insulating substrate, electrically connected in series by overlapping the second electrode of one element with the first electrode of an adjacent element; (b) a terminal electrode formed at one extreme end of the front surface connected to the second electrode of the element at the extreme end of the surface; and (c) at least two terminal electrodes on a surface opposite the front surface of the substrate, formed by metal layers deposited on the substrate and respectively connected to the terminal electrode of (b) and to the first electrode of the element at the other extreme end of the front surface.    ADVANTAGE -   The back surface electrodes can be connected to external leads or wires, or directly to like arrays without interfering with the path of incident light. The arrays can be interconnected in any desired series parallel arrangement end provided in desired patterns where a decorative arrangement is required. (First major country equivalent to J60123073-A)
(JP93018275-B)      Prod. comprises selectively removing a semiconductor on 1st electrodes to form 2nd grooves into the electrodes, thereby forming 2nd electrodes near the 1st electrodes, whereby the 1st and 2nd electrodes of photoelectric converison elements are connected in series.    USE -   For photoelectric converters. (J60123072-A)
(JP92076225-B)      Prodn. comprises forming conductive metal contg. Al, Ag, Cu, Mg, Ti, Ni or Cr on light-permeable conductive film and forming Si monooxide film on conductive metal to form laminate film.    Used for semiconductor device prodn. (J60120577-A)
Both the product and the process are claimed. Silicon powder, with particles smaller than 500 micrometer, is coated with copper particles in a suspension. The copper deposits itself as particles which adhere to the silicon-particles as in a cementation-process. The copper-content of the product may vary between 0.001 and 50 wt.%, pref. between 0.001 and 10 wt.% and the particles have a dia. of less than 1 micrometer. The electroless deposition occurs in a suspension contg. HF at 1-40 wt.%, a suitable copper-salt and an oxidation -agent. By treating the silicon-powder first with mineral acid the level of impurities can be reduced considerably. By heating the product to a temp. between 200 and 600 deg.C, possibly under a reducing ambient, the Cu is diffused into the silicon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The Cu-particles adhere to the silicon-particles without an intervening oxide-layer. This allows both alloying with copper and low temp. diffusion of Cu into Si. The method allows the formation of a material with a wide range of Cu content. It allows the Si-powder to be subjected to a cleaning step while the process itself also has a cleaning effect on the silicon. This allows the impurity content to be very low. Material with a high Cu-content can be used as anodes in a Si-refining process after pressing of the material into plates or rods, while material with very low Cu-content can be used in the prodn. of solar cells. A wide range of particle-sizes can be used.
Collector comprises a support having a trough (12) with an internal reflective surface (20) of two truncated parabolic sections rotated away from its vertical axis to form a wider acceptance angle, and a reflective circular face joining the section ends. The surface is moulded with the support. A vacuum sealed heat trap cylinder (30) of glass is nested in the trough along the focal line of the surface.    The cylinder loosely engages a part of the trough to permit thermal expansion of the cylinder, and there is at least one metal tube (70) mounted in the cylinder and carrying photovoltaic cells (61). The metal tube pref. contains an ethyleneglycol mixture as heat-transfer fluid, and the surface is a thin aluminium sheet secured to the support. The support is pref. of polymer concrete (56) supporting low-density glass fibre concrete and glass bead material (50) in which the troughs are formed.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased collection efficiency.
A solar collection panel is comprises of one or more solar gathering cells which gather and focus incident solar radiation through optical windows into a light gathering chamber. The chamber in turn employs several conical mirrors to redirect the radiation toward an optical entrance window, whereupon a light trap captures and removes and radiation from the chamber.    Light traveling through the trap escapes via exit windows formed at the end opposite the entrance window and is subsequently focused by a lens system into a light pipe comprising optical fibres, for distribution to a remote utilisation site.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for solar welder. Gathers radiation at optimum collection site and distributes to optimum use site. May be used for infrared.
The device includes a conduit through which the liquid flows from one region to another of lower hydraulic head. A marine thruster, which is of the type normally used to propel marine vessels, is arranged in the conduit to be driven by the liquid flowing through it. The mechanical output of the thruster is connected directly to a machine or drives a generator for converting it to an electrical power output.    Wherever necessary, the mechanical output of the thruster is connected to a generator, or other machine, through a transmission, permitting the thruster to operate at a speed determined by the flow rate through the conduit and permitting the generator or machine to be driven at its optimum operating speed, which may be different from the speed of the thruster.    ADVANTAGE -   Adaptable to a variety of site applications.
One mode of the method, controls the load current, through a circuit (36) in 256 equal intervals, while voltage is measured from open circuit to at least halfway into the knee of the load curve. The other mode controls the load voltage through a circuit (34) in 256 equal intervals from the lowest voltage measurement possible (short circuit) to at least halfway into the knee of the load curve, under control of a microcomputer (12).    All measurements are packed by discarding each measurement that is within 0.5% of the value predicted from two previous measurements which is retained. The remaining data is further packed into a memory block of detachable storage medium (14) by recording the data points in sequence following a header containing data common to all points.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Portable and can be used in rugged terrain, using EEPROM as more reliable storage medium than magnetic media in such environments.
Deposition system comprises a vacuum chamber divided into spaced sub-chambers; transport for moving spaced substrates through the sub-chambers; inlet and outlet for each sub-chamber providing a reactant gas flow in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the substrates; means for activating the reactant gas to effect deposition; and means for inhibiting flow of reactant gas between sub-chamber comprising parallel baffle close to the substrates on either side of the axis along which the substrates more arranged between sub-chambers and between which is effected a flow of gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in mass prodn. of large substrate devices, e.g. Si cells, e.g. hydrogenated amorphous Si p-i-n cells. Continuous, multiple coating is achieved without contamination between sub-chambers. (First major country equivalent to J60111418-A)
In the mfr. of amorphous silicon, silane gas is heated up to a temp. a little lower than its decomposition temp. and then subjected to plasma discharge. The temp. of the heated silane is 350-390 deg. C for monosilane and 150-190 deg. C for disilane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prior art defects e.g. efficiency of use of silane was 10% or less and the film forming speed was very slow at most only microns h (or this was very much disadvantageous because silane is expensive) are eliminated.
The turbine uses a wheel (9), with preset adjustable blades (10), driven in rotation by the flow of water provided from a fixed coaxial distributor (13). A speed multiplier (7), is provided with its input shaft (8) driven directly by the shaft of the wheel. A current generator (4) is driven directly from the output shaft (5) of the multiplier.    The turbine is housed in a casing (1) with all the mechanical and hydraulic components being enclosed within it. The casing is mounted in a chamber which is connected to passages which carry water to an inlet and extract it from an outlet.    ADVANTAGE -   Water turbine has all mechanical and hydraulic components contained inside casing to avoid risk of damage during installation and transport.
The cell has a semiconductor substate (10) with pattern of grooves (23) in its surface (22). The sloping faces (29) of the grooves are covered with a semiconductor layer of the opposite conductivity type to that of the substrate. A laser forms the grooves, and the layer forms a rectifier junction with the substrate. The laser device is forms a pattern of grooves or holes, and a chemical etching stage is used before the junction is formed.    A contact is made between the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate. Grooves can be formed on the underside, reducing the thickness of the cell structure, these grooves being between the surface grooves.    ADVANTAGE -   Absorption is high. /10
(JP92076227-B)      Prodn. comprises forming 1st grooves into a conductive film to form 1st electrodes, and forming 2nd grooves crossing the 1st grooves into the ends of the 1st electrodes with a laser beam.    Used for solar cells. (J60100482-A)
The power plant has one or more floats which may pump a fluid in a cylinder (C) in coincidence with the tide movements. The pumped fluid operates a working machine. A second cylinder is preferably coupled to the first one for time-offset operation of the working machine.    Connecting rods extend from the floats and are interconnected by a rod. To the latter is coupled a piston rod of the cylinder piston. The water level increase forces the piston upwards. The cylinder operates on a hydraulic fluid via a line with a non-return valve.    ADVANTAGE -   Possibility of energy storage.
An Si wafer is aligned for mfr. of a vertical junction solar cell by (a) providing a baseplate having a recess defining an opening snugly receiving the wafer, having a straight portion for mating with a cleaved edge of known crystallographic orientation formed on the wafer: (b) fitting the wafer in the baseplate; and (c) covering the baseplate and wafer with a mask plate having a pattern in a predetermined configuration for exposing the wafer.    ADVANTAGE -   The wafers are precisely aligned w.r.t. the mask for accurate positioning of the channels, allowing junctions to be precisely aligned with a desired crystallographic direction.
The device consists of a primary tubular housing, a sealed, conical, secondary housing mounted within the tubular housing, the secondary housing containing an electrical generator. The secondary housing has a conical end portion, and is disposed within and along the exterior housing longitudinally. A rotor which drives the generator is coupled to the secondary housing, having blades disposed within the path of water entering the primary housing. The interior housing is rigidly mounted to the exterior housing by support panels that also act as guide vanes for the flow of water through the exterior housing over the conical portion of the interior housing, thus increasing water flow velocity.    Rigidly affixed toward the rear of the cone are further guide vanes, at an angle approaching forty-five degrees. The rotor has rigidly fixed vanes disposed at approximately forty-five degrees to the rotor.    ADVANTAGE -   Has internal chamber for accelerating water flow prior to its reaching internal rotor blade. Does not use fossil fuels or create air pollution.
An optical fibre is terminated in a series of semiconductor layers, each absorbing light as a function of sensed parameters at a different wavelength. Light is transmitted down the fibre in a number of frequencies and reflected by the termination to provide in the reflected light an attenuation representative of the parameters sensed. The termination consists of reflective layers, between the semiconductor layers, and arranged so that the longest wavelengths are transmitted by all layers except the last which provides partial absorption.    The reflected light intensity is detected and electronically processed to provide an indication of the magnitude of the parameters being sensed. With each frequency differently attenuated, the sensed parameters are separately detected.
The generator incorporates a check valve in the base of the reservoir to store water at a higher level than the tide height maximum. The weight is in the form of two additional floats suspended on cables to a rocker arm which is fixed to the main f loat. The additional floats are outside the reservoir.    On tidal influx, float (3) and additional floats (6) rise and water enters reservoir (1) through check valve (2). On tidal efflux, the floats lower (6) and rocker (4) is operated by cables (5) to operate float (3) and displace water from reservoir (1) through the clearance between the vertical walls of the reservoir and float and through drain area (7) to the storage basin.    The ratio of water lift height to change in tide level is determined by the ratio of area of cross-section of float (3) and the area of clearance between float (3) and the reservoir.    ADVANTAGE -   Water storage at a higher level than maximum tide height. Bul.46/15.12.84.
Balancing unit of the impeller comprises a thin walled sleeve elements attached in a number of inter-vane channels on the inner surface of the rim and following the shape of the rim.    In operation water flows through the impeller and a hydrodynamic force is set up due to production discrepancies. The force acts radially and rotates with the impeller and acts on the turbine bearing (6). At the same time a hydrodynamic force is set up on the thin walled sleeVe elements (4) fixed in a number of the inter-vane spaces on the rim (2) compensating the initial hydrodynamic force and reducing hydrodynamic imbalance of the impeller.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is used on hydroelectric power station mixed flow hydraulic machines. Hydraulic unbalance is reduced resulting in reduced bearing loading and improved reliability. Bul.46/15.12.84.
The generating set, consists of a generator (1) which is mounted on a base (2) so that it can be rotated about its axis and is connected to it by a spring, and a turbine (4) with a water conduit. The turbine is mounted on the end of the generator shaft.    The generating set differs in that the water conduit is equipped with a discharge shutter (7) which is connected kinematically to the generator. When there is no load on the generator its reactive moment is balanced by the spring and the turbine idles. As the load is raised, the reactive moment overcomes the effort of the spring, and the generator turns about its axis, gradually closing the shutter to produce a water jet for the turbine equivalent to the load.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in small power stations. Has greater operating reliability. Bul.13/7.4.84.
In the formation of thin film utilising CVD reaction at up to 150 deg.C substrate temp., water contained in the starting gas is removed by a low temp. trap, then introducing starting material gas is introduced into a reaction vessel. Alternatively the surface of substrate before the CVD reaction is held in sputter or glow discharge atmos. of inert gas in an evacuated vessel for specified time.    USE -   Formation of thin film in a low temp. region up to 100 deg.C is possible. Material having low heat resistance is usable. Adhesion of the film during CVD process is improved. Further, consumption of energy and time for prepn. of thin film of a semiconductor device and for the prepn. of insulation film are reduced.
(JP93018277-B)      Prod. comprises forming an oxide conductive film on a nonsingle crystal semiconductor, forming a multilayer film having a Cr-contained layer on the semiconductor and irradiating a laser beam to remove selected parts of the multilayer film.    Used for photoelectric converters. (J59060165-A)
(JP93058269-B)      The process comprises forming a multilayer film on a non-single crystal semiconductor, and irradiating a laser beam on the multilayer film to form grooves. The film comprises a Ni or Cr film and conductive oxide film.    USE -   For electronic circuits. (J60085574-A)
Solar cells (1) which supply energy to a beacon (2) are distributed upon an upright conical surface of the beacon, the conical surface having a predetermined angle of inclination w.r.t. its vertical axis. Pref. each cell (1) comprises a photosensitive surface between thick glass plates or encapsulated in polymethylmethacrylate.    USE -   Maritime, rivers, terrestrial guiding, meteorology.
Semiconductors spheres are arranged within a plastic sheet and laminated between two metal foil layers to make electrical contacts. A portion of each sphere is exposed on one side to allow light entry. The spheres have a P-type region and an N-type region, the N-type region contacting the metallic foil.    The back ohmic contact has a spreading resistance which protects large array configurations from short circuits. Series interconnections of cells, for higher voltage, can be made in the same processing sequence, and are coplanar with the array. All manufacturing steps are completed at temperatures less than 400 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Capable of bending and flexing without damage, and can be manufactured as thin sheet. High short circuit fault tolerance.
After coating a Te-C thin film on a Te-contg. cpd. semiconductor by high-frequency sputter, a current is supplied to cpd. semiconductor (in the thickness direction) for anode oxidn. and anodic oxide film is formed on the Te-C film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Protective film is used for infrared light electromotive force cell, wet-type solar cell electrode, Te-gp. recording film for optical disk, etc. Forms a protective film consisting of anodic oxide film contg. corrosion resistant C on a Te-C thin film, and film having superior stability under air or high humidity atmos. (80%) on cpd. Te-C thin film has a thickness of 0.1 micron or more. Provides film with sufficient protection action.
Multiple layer semiconductor structure has at least one layer formed of a disordered semiconductor material (I) and at least a second layer of material (II) of conductivity type and/or fixed charge polarity and/or band gap different from (I). Specifically (I) is Si or Ge contg. one or more band gap reducing elements and (II) is Si contg. O and/or N.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In a wide range of semiconductor device, e.g. thin film transistors, thermo-electric devices, etc., esp. a photoresponsive device (claimed). Successive layers can be used to provide doped structure having controlled desired electronic properties, e.g. p-n-p-n, p-i-n-p-i-n structures, etc., without need for addn. of substitutional dopant impurities.
A battery holding is activated manually by switch control, driving electric motors, and transmitting their power cams. The latter lift and lower tankweights. When each cam is lowered to its limit, the weights which, are set against spring tension follow, expanding the tank. Liquid then flows through the top inlet of a tube whilst a timing wheel activates an electrical system which exerts magnetic pull on a joiner shaft. Pressure-separating lifting valves are then located in place.    Further valves are opened which free the liquid intake and liberate it through a tube. The counter balance pressure of a holding column is kept intact for the cam's return stroke by the sealing of the electromagnetic lifting valves.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As hydroelectric power generator. Does not produce waste products and so is cleaner and less harmful to environment.
The turbine includes a housing (10) supported at one end of a tubular elongate rigid member (17) so as to be disposed below water. The housing has a turbine wheel at one end, the wheel having a hub (11) mounted on the input shaft (12) of a bevel gear (16) in the housing.    The wheel has blades (20) and the bevel gear has an output shaft connected to a generator. A truncated, hollow, conical ring (21) is mounted around the blades coaxial with the housing centre axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Since the ring larger dia. is closest to the housing, flow through the wheel is maximised.
Photoreceptor is made by forming on a conductive substrate: a layer for preventing injection from the substrate; an a-Si layer for determining charging characteristic; and a layer for preventing hole injection from the surface and for passivation, the a-Si layer being B-doped by deposition from a gas mixt. contg. B and Si in a ratio of 0.2-2 ppm..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In copiers and printers. Low residual voltage or potential and high charging characteristic are obtd.. (First major country equivalent to J60072224)
The frequency-proportional voltage generator at variable drive speed works with a rotating rectifier, an excitation machine, a rotary field transfer device, and a compounding unit with or without additional voltage regulation. The voltage-dependent no-load component of the compounding device is formed by an air gap throttle.    Parallel to the coils of the air gap throttle (6), capacitors (7) are connected. In the system are user appts. for constant voltage. Where a single phase machine is used they are connected to the linked voltage, with pre-switch throttles being used parallel to which capacitors are connected.    USE -   For use in wind and water power installations.
Device having a photovoltaic thin film of selected thickness is mfd. by (a) forming spaced transparent front electrodes (32) on a transparent substrate, each having at least one contact portion (30) thicker than the selected thickness of the thin film; (b) forming a continuous photovoltaic thin film (20) over the front electrodes and substrate regions between them; and (c) forming spaced back electrodes (22) on the continuous film, each overlying one front electrode to define a photovoltaic region between them, and overlapping the contact portion of an adjacent front electrode to establish an electrical connection with it through the continuous thin film.    The device comprises an array of photovoltaic regions in a continuous thin film, connected in series by the electrical connection between pre-formed front electrode contact regions and back electrodes of adjacent cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The photovoltaic layer is unpatterned, avoiding surface contamination risk, simplifying mfr., and increasing the active area of the device, pref. a solar cell array.
The cell is mfd. by (a) forming a semiconductor substrate having three parallel doped layers, with first and third layers terminating at opposed major surfaces and junctions parallel to the surfaces; where the first layer (32) is second conductivity type, the second layer (31) is first type, forming a pn junction (38) with the first layer, and the third layer (33) is first type of higher impurity concn. that the second to provide a built in electrostatic drift field enhancing minority carrier movement to the pn junction; (b) forming ohmic contacts on major surfaces; (c) sepg. the substrate into segments along sepn. planes, providing working surfaces extending between first and second surfaces, each contg. multiple edges of the doped semiconductor layers; (d) passivating the edge surfaces (36) of doped semiconductors, to provide working surfaces; and (e) incorporating an accumulation layer at the working surface(s) receiving incident radiation, contg. first type material to provide a drift field minimising minority carrier recombination at the operating surface.    An array of the cells is mfd. by aligning identical substrates in a stack in identical orientation, and mechanically bonding before sepn.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is inexpensively mfd., exhibits high efficiency and thermal stability at solar concns. over 250 AMO suns, with improved spectral response at short wavelengths and no absorption of wavelengths above 1.1 micron to which the cell is insensitive.
The inclined jet turbine, for use e.g. in hydraulic power generation, consists of a rotor (1) with radial vanes (2), and feed pipe (3) with a nozzle (4) containing a regulator needle. The turbine differs in that the nozzle is mounted so that it can be adjusted radially relative to the length of the rotor vanes. The position of the nozzle is adjusted by feeding pressure fluid into one of the servo-motor (6) chambers above or below the piston (7).    When the feed pressure is increased the nozzle is moved from the centre of the turbine rotor towards the outside, and it is moved in the opposite direction when the pressure drops.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides higher efficiency over a wide range of pressure fluctuations. Bul.12/30.3.84
The brushless synchronous generator for frequency-proportional voltage at variable drive speed is provided with a rotating rectifier, an excitation machine, and a voltage regulator regulating at constant voltage. Between the input terminals of the regulator (7) or the transformer (6) connected in front of it and the generator terminals an adjustment component (8) is connected, at the output side (A) of which a constant voltage is taken off if the voltage at the input side (E) is virtually proportional to the frequency.    The adjustment component (8) comprises a throughput connected throttle and resistances connected in parallel to the output (A), and which are in star or triangular connection. Parallel to the coils of the throttle, capacitors are connected.    USE -   For wind motors or water turbines to hold the adjustment input voltage constant, and allow the terminal voltage of the generator to be frequency-proportional.
(a) a floatable platform formed with opposite sides; water wheels mounted on each side of platform are provided for rotation. Coupling interconnecting the wheels for transmitting hydrodynamic power comprises an axial shaft for each wheel respectively. The shafts are rotatable in response to its associated water wheel being impelled by the flow of water.    Successive wheels located on the opposite sides of the platform. The coupling interconnecting successive axial shafts for transferring hydrodynamic power successively from a axial shaft to axial shaft for progressively increasing the magnitude of transferred hydrodynamic power. An electric generator is responsive to the transmission of the hydrodynamic power. The output power cable is traned around one guide pulley, then the pulley for the weight and then the other of the output output power cable, the free end of the output power ca for connection to a remote location.
The cell comprises an array of small area photovoltaic segments (10a-f) formed in rows and columns, with segments in each row connected in series and the series-connected rows electrically connected in parallel.    The large area cell is mfd. by (a) forming on a common insulating substrate (11) electrically isolated rows and columns of first, small area electrodes (14), each having a surface divided into a major part (14b) and a minor part (14a); (b) forming bridges of semiconductor material (12) generating electrical current in response to illumination, so each bridge overlies the major parts of two adjacent first electrodes in a column and extends onto the substrate exposed between adjacent electrodes in a row; (c) forming discrete second small area electrodes (22,24) electrically isolated from each other, each overlying the major portion of a first electrode, and electrically contacting (i) a semiconductor bridge portion on the substrate between row electrodes and (ii) a minor portion of the adjacent first electrode, connecting segments in each row in series; and (d) electrically connecting the series connected rows in parallel.
Process for preparing a polycrystalline semiconductor material ingot (Si) comprises (a) heating a crucible contg. a sample of the semiconductor material, the crucible being arranged in a heatea insulated chamber, until the material is molten at constant temp. at above the m.pt. of the material; (b) solidification of the material by removing heat from the crucible bottom: (c) progressive cooling of the crucible, whereby the heat insulation for the chamber includes a lower movable wall (5) covering most of the base of the crucible (1); heat is removed from the bottom of the crucible by removing the lower wall; the power for the heating being held at a constant level during solidification. This constant level is that which allows the constant temp. of the bath (18) to be maintained until the end of the heating step.    ADVANTAGE -   The process produces which do not have a hemispherical polycrystalline structure as in prior art, which leads to poor photovoltaic properties for the material.
The hydroelectric installation comprises a water turbine driving an electric generator or an electric motor driving a turbine pump. The unit is made up of; a front inflow guide (4) which may be followed by an adjustable inflow guide; a turbine wheel with either fixed or movable blades; and an outlet duct (18) formed as an 'S' and curving downward with provision for the passage of the turbine shaft (7) through the end wall.    The region (14) round the shaft is shaped as a Moody hydrocone in an expanding volute form for most effective low head operation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Low head (less than 10m) hydroelectric unit with short distances between shaft bearings, reduced shaft vibration, and suited to application either as a pump or a turbine.
The control system uses the detected variations in frequency of the generation plant and the power demand of the power system, for adjusting the water turbine (2) driving a wound-rotor induction generator (1). The control adjustment is effected via a guide vane (11) regulating the quantity of water supplied to the turbine (2), so as to dampen the power system frequency variations.    A frequency converter (3) for providing the AC excitation for the induction generator secondary winding is used to maintain a constant output frequency level.    ADVANTAGE -   Balances mechanical input torque with required electrical output torque.
A positive drive endless bucket chain produces a torque, which provides driving power for generating electric power. The buckets mounted in an endless chain on a curved track impede the flow and develop the power, which is conveyed to the toothed driving belt which turns the guide rollers.    Valves are provided in the buckets to facilitate better filling. The generator is mounted on a double bodied float, with a profile to accelerate the water flow. The float automatically adjusts for changes in water level.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   80% of the power produced remains to power machines e.g. as pumps or generate electricity.
Solar light goes first through an upper layer containing a high band gap energy junction which absorbs theshort-wavelength components of light. The remaining long-wavelength components are absorbed in a second active layer containing a low band gap energy junction. The cell may comprise p-n-n-p type layers.    Each low band-gap low-voltage junction is made to have half the voltage of the high band-gap, high-voltage junctions. The junctions are connected such that the high-voltage junctions are in parallel and the series connection of low-voltage junctions is also parallel with them. The junction voltages are invariant so the parallel connection works for any light spectrum.
The hydroelectric plant has a machine room for a generator in a casing or so-called bulb which is positioned in a water current in a channel or tunnel in a dam and provided with a shaft for access to the machine room. The upstream front part of the bulb is in front of the facade of the dam on the upstream side, and has guides or supports for dam hatches.    The shaft is wholly or partly in front of the dam facade on the upstream side, and vertically displaceable dam hatches are fitted on opposite sides of the shaft, and run in guides in or on the dam, shaft and bulb. The bulb rests on axially oriented supports and between these supports are hatches of the flap type. The channel or tunnel is fitted in a concrete caisson.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces the area of the closure hatches in front of the turbine. (Provisional Basic advised week8506)
The hydroelectric plant station has a generator in a casing or so-called bulb positioned in the water current. The power station dam is provided with a shaft for access to the generator chamber in the bulb. The bulb is flotatable, and is set afloat, and towed to the shaft to which it is connected.    The bubl with its related machinery is assembled to a complete unit outside the power station, and is then set afloat in a catchment dam downstream from the power station, and then towed to the shaft for connection, with suitable adjustment in water level. During the bulb assembly process, the catchment dam is dry, and is only filled with water once the assembly of the bulb has been completed.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows assembly for the generator bulb independent of other water power station construction activities. (Provisional Basic advised Week 8506)
Transparent electroconductive film (A) contains at least one first element (I) of gp. III and/or gp. IV and at least one second element (II), selected from N, C and S.    (A) is formed on (B) a substrate, pref. of transparent material, esp. glass or a polymer. Specified structures consist of: a glass substrate with (A) on both sides, covered by (C) a photoconductive layer on one side; a glass substrate with (A) on one side and (C) on the other; a transparent substrate (esp. polyester film) with (A) and (C) on the same side, opt. covered with a protective coatings; a glass substrate covered with (A), then p-type a-Si:H, then i-type a-Si:H, then p-type a-Si:H and finally (A); a first glass plate covered with (A) and a second, separate glass plate covered with an electroconductive device, with a seal between the 2 glass plates, and a control for applying voltage between (A) and the electroconductive device; the space between the plates can be filled with an opaque electrically insulating medium contg. mobile electrophoretic particles of a given colour, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film is useful as transparent electrode in various optical devices, e.g. solar cells, optical image sensors, LCDs, copiers, etc. It is reliable and stable in operation and has excellent boundary surfaces, even when used in conjunction with a-Si.
Command monitoring is carried out by using the servomotor working fluid pressure and an emergency signal is given after execution of this command. On rotor speed increase speed relay (1) passes an emergency signal to valve (8) solenoid to close servomotor (2) stator. The valve displaces and oil pressure operates regulator (10) servomotor (11) displacing the piston to operate flow control (12) and reduce pipe (5) cross-section. Oil pressure is also passed via pipe (9) to auxiliary servomotor (6) to displace its piston down to form the servomotor speed limit signal. Servomotor (6) piston acts via lever system (7) to move main valve (4) body to execute this command. Under oil pressure in stator servomotor (2) the piston displaces, the stator closes and shuts off water feed to the turbine impeller.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved reliability. Bul.38/15.10.84.
A solar heat converter of large area uses semiconductor photoelements for the direct photovoltaic conversion of solar radiation energy into electrical energy. The photoelements are embedded between two hot melt foils, preferably made of ethyl vinylacetate or acrylic resin. A transparent hardened silicate glass pane covers them,. Two foils preferably made of PTFE, separated by a metal foil, preferably aluminium, are held together with the above by a frame.    ADVANTAGE -   Such a converter is easy to mount and requires no sealing against water ingress.
A semiconductor radiation detector comprises (a) a first-type semiconductor bulk region; (b) a second-type amorphous semiconductor layer formed on a first portion of the principal surface of the bulk region; (c) an undoped second amorphous semiconductor layer formed on the principal surface surround the first portion; (d) a first electrode electrically contacting the bulk region; and (e) a second electrode electrically contacting the doped amorphous layer.    Pref. the bulk semiconductor region is p-type single crystal Si, and the first amorphous layer is Si doped with P or C. Alternatively, the first amorphous layer may be amorphous SiC or C.    ADVANTAGE -   The doped layer provides a heterojunction having a wider band gap than that produced by conventional H-added undoped amorphous Si, reducing the reverse leakage current of the detector, e.g. by 10%. The presence of the undoped amorphous semiconductor increases the radiation detecting efficiency, e.g. by 10-15%. (First major country equivalent to J60047471-A)
A semiconductor element adaptable for use as a temp. optical or pressure sensor has a substrate (10) of oxidised quartz or silicon that is coated with a layer (11) of high resistance polycrystalline silicon. Typically the layer has a thickness of between 0.1 and 50 micrometers and will be coated with an insulating layer of quarz.    A photolithographic process together with etching allows holes to be formed in the insulating layer in which a impregnating material, e.g. antimony, is located to form a low resistance contact region (12). The contact regions are coated with a high temp. metallic material, such as titanium or tungsten (13). The contact regions have a finger shaped surface area that may be varied in length to provide trimming of the operational characteristic.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows precise trimming of operational characteristic.
In the device two electrodes (1,2) are placed in the vacuum chamber, and a discharge generated between the electrodes. A film is formed on a baseplate (2) from gas conducted (6) into the chamber. The first electrode (1) is cylinder-shaped, and moves up and down, pref. at a controlled rate. (3) The first electrode is pref. made to move up and down continuously.    ADVANTAGE -   By changing the speed and the rate of moving of the cathode (1) and also by changing the feed of gas, a film of uniform thickness may be made on the base plate on a large area.
The regulator uses a signal representing the actual rotation rate and a signal representing the actual water level. The two signals are used to obtain a control signalfor adjustment of a servomotor controlling the angle of the turbine blades.    The turbine and the associated synchronous generator can either be used in isolation or in conjunction with the mains network. The regulator is used to maintain a constant rotation rate, or to maintain a given water level or vol. flow rate respectively.    USE -   For Michell-Ossberger turbine operated in isolation or in conjunction with mains.
Resin is prepd. by dissolving a vinyl- or isopropenyl-substd. UV absorber and/or a vinyl- or isopropenyl-substd. antioxidant in a soln. of an unsatd. polyester in styrene and interpolymerising the polyester, styrene and UV absorber and/or antioxidant.    The polyester is pref. formed from propylene glycol, maleic acid and phthalic acid. The UV absorber is an alkenyl substd. hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole of formula (I) (R = H or 1-6C alkyl). The antioxidant is a 2,6-bis(t.-alkyl)-4-alkenyl-phenol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyester is stable to UV radiation and thermal and/or photooxidation encountered in outdoor use and is used e.g. as an exterior coating for buildings or an encapsulant for panels of photovoltaic cells, e.g. flat plate solar arrays.
An Si solar cell has the ratio of pn junction area (A(O)): total outer surface area exposed to solar radiation (A(t)) reduced below the conventional value of nearly 1, to increase open circuit voltage (V(OC)) and increase efficiency. The device is mfd. by (a) forming an array of discrete, spaced pn junction areas in an Si surface; and (b) coupling the junction areas using a metal grid.    ADVANTAGE -   The device has increased open circuit voltage and reduced satn. current density, so increased efficiency. (V(OC)) is reduced by 60 mV for a decrease in (A(O)/A(t)) to by 10%, and by more than 100 mV for (A(O)/A(t)) of 1%.
Pin-type amorphous semiconductor solar cell includes an amorphous Si semiconducotr film contg. H, C and O as impurities and has a refractive index 2.0-3.4. The total C + O = at least 0.1 at% and the film form the p or n layer and is used as the cell window.    Film is doped n-type with a V element or p-type with a III elment. Process ofr deposition of the film by CVD from silane (fluorides) and at least one of CO, CO2, O-contg. organics and mixts. of hydrocarbons and O2 is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Material has low light absorption, a controllable refractive index to minimise reflection and good adhesion to stainless steel substrates and transparent electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J60031222-A).
A buoyancy vessel is held at a position against upwards movement until a predetermined moment and is then released for movement upwardly to a second position. The mass of the vessel is reduced as it moves upwardly, and the vessel is subsequently held at the second position against downwards move-ment until a predetermined moment and is then released for movement downwardly to the first position. The mass of the vessel is increased prior to and/or as it moves downwardly.    The vessel is held against upward -movement until after commencement of flow of the tide. The vessel includes a fixed and a variable buoyancy tank. The fixed tank has its interior placed in communication with the body of water.    ADVANTAGE -   Has reduced losses of energy during power transformation.
A main basin has a single-acting mode of operation by which a main turbine generates electricity twice a day during ebb tide periods. The basin has sluices opened during flood tide periods to refill it. A second basin is disposed adjacent to the first basin and has a pump-turbine assembly in its barrage whose pump is driven by power derived from the main turbine during low electricity demand periods to lower the second basin level.    The turbine of the second basin assembly generates electricity during high electricity demand periods which coincide with the flood periods using the head of water between the lowered level of the second basin and the flood tide sea level. The turbine of the second basin can be operated as a pump by reverse rotation or blade angle change using power from a grid. This protects the second basin barrage from damage by extra high tide or storm.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides uniform output at high efficiency.
A second set of electrodes are formed on the semiconductor laminate member, the electrodes respectively corresp. to the first electrodes. Each of the first and second electrodes and the region of the laminate member sandwiched between constitute one semiconductor photoelectric transducer. Each transducer is connected to an adjacent transducer so that the second electrode of the latter is connected to the first electrode of the former through a contract portion extending from the second electrode of the latter into a contract groove cut in the laminate member. The contract groove and the contract portion are not exposed in the side walls of the laminate member. First and second sets of isolation grooves isolate respective adjacent first electrodes and adjacent second electrode. The side walls of the first and/or second electrode are retained inside the side walls of the substrate. The electrodes and contract grooves are defined by a laser beam.    ADVANTAGE -   Is easily manufactured without defects.
Thermo-sensitive element (2) is placed on the surface of the thermal stress unit of object (1), before it is used. The element consists of electrodes (3), enclosing a layer of material (4), with a property of non-reversible change of specific electric resistance when reaching a determined magnitude of the threshold temperature of the contacting body or substance. The electric resistance is measured between the electrodes, before the object is brought into use.    The electrodes are connected, through lines (5), to a measuring instrument, in the form of a direct current bridge or an ohmmeter. After a given period of use of the object, the measurement is repeated. The reaching of the limiting heating temperatures in the element of the object is judged according to the degree of change of the electric resistance of the thermo-sensitive element.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Diagnosis of the temperature state of hydrogenerators while in operation. Bul.29/7.8.84
Mfr. of semiconductive film on a substrate comprises (1) placing the substrate (1) having a non-plane surface into a reaction chamber (50) contg. at least 2 discharge electrodes (10,12), an entrance (502) for reaction gas for producing a desired semiconductor film (4), and an exit for reducing the pressure, and (2) producing a discharge in the presence of the reaction gas, to produce the semiconductive film while arranging the non-plane surface of the substrate outside the region of the plasma formed between the electrodes, and arranging the nonplane surface perpendicular to the surfaces of the discharge electrodes so on to deposit the semiconductor film on the non-plane surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in photovoltaic cells, solar cells, a photoconductive drum or a roofing tile, with source for domestic power. Uniform deposit can be formed on an incurving or hollow surface which has not been possible in prior art.
A photovoltaic cell module laminate is made by sealing a photovoltaic cell circuit (2,3) in a polymer formed from upper (4) and lower (5) layers of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. The copolymer layers (4,5) contain up to 1 wt.% peroxide initiator dispersed therein and are coated with up to 0.5 wt.% of an organosilane monomer primer to promote bonding to the cell circuit (2,3) and to a solid superstrata (6) and substrate (7). The whole laminate is heated to crosslink the copolymer and seal the copolymer layers (4,5) to each other and to bond them to the cell circuit (2,3) and the substrate and superstrata (7 and 6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell module used in solar power modules. Bonding and sealing of the laminate can be achieved in a single step.
Photoresponsive amorphous alloy is made by depositing on a substrate material including at least Si and incorporating at least one density of states reducing element (I) and at least one dopant and/or band gap adjusting element (II), without increasing the effective states in the band gap, to produce an optimised alloy, at least one portion of the material being formed with discrete subportions.    Pref. (I) is F and/or H; (II) is specifically Ge.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In pin, pn, Schottky or MIS type solar cells photoconductors; photodetectors; and photodiode (arrays).    (II) is/are added in thin layer or cluster form to adjust the band gap to an optimum threshold, without adding states in the gap which would degrade the optical and electronic properties of the alloys.
The material gas (2) is conducted into a depressurised reaction chamber (1), and a thin film is formed on the heated substrate body (4) in the reaction chamber from the plasma. Electric power is applied directly to the electroconductive substrate body (4) or to the heater (9) which is integral with the back surface of the substrate body (4) which is thus heated directly.    ADVANTAGE -   Substrate is uniformly heated and a film with uniform electrical and optical properties is obtd.
Space between the cylinder-shaped basic plate body (4) and the vacuum vessel (1) surrounding the basic plate body is used as the depressurised reaction chamber. Inside of the cylinder-shaped basic plate body is made independent from the reaction chamber; and a heating device for heating whole the basic plate uniformly is placed in the said basic plate body (4). High temp., gas or liq. is made to flow inside the basic plate body, and thus the basic plate body is heated. Heater (10) for heating the gas or liq. in the basic plate body is placed in the basic body.    ADVANTAGE -   Part whose temp. is higher than that of the cylinder-shaped basic body is not made in the reaction chamber, and the basic plate body is uniformly heated, and thus a thin film of uniform electric and optical characters is made on the basic plate.
Module has a solar cell field comprising thin film solar cells formed along the edges of a glass substrate leaving an edge region of the substrate exposed, a resin layer being applied to the solar cell field and the substrate edge region. A protective backing layer may be adhered to the resin layer to cover the solar cell field and the substrate edge region.    ADVANTAGE -   Resin layer completely seals the solar cells from the environment and thus protects them against water andwater vapour. The module is simple, easy and inexpensive to produce.
In prodn. of frontal electrically conducting, pref. lattice, contacts in a photovoltaic (solar) cell with at least 2 semi-conducting layers, a perforated mask of non-conducting material is applied to the front (upper) semi-conductor layer, and electrically conducting material is applied to the perforations.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is made simply and cheaply. Loss due to shading of the active layers by the electrical contact is reduced. Efficiency is increased by about 20%. The mask can be removed after appln. of the electrically conducting material. Application or prepn. of modules comprising several photovoltaic cells is claimed.
Sensitivity to white and monochromatic light wavelengths varied by varying back surface recombination velocity in the photocathode by application of bias voltages. The photocathode is mfd. by (a) epitaxially growing a semi-insulating Cr- or O-doped wide-band gap semiconductor window layer (12) on a large band gap single crystal transparent window substrate (14) (b) epitaxially growing a photoemitter layer (10) on the window layer; (c) forming electrical contact rings (18, 16) at the outer peripheries of the photoemitter layer and window substrate; (d) applying an antireflection coating (22) to the back surface of the substrate; and (e) activating the photoemitter layer to provide the negative electron effinity. A bias voltage is applied to the contact rings to modulate an electric field in the photo-cathode. Light is incident on the anti-reflection coated substrate surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The low cost, high performance photocathode is useful for light sensing applications, e.g. scintillation counting, photomultipliers, imaging devices. Sensitivity may be varied by a factor up to 3, with recombination velocity varied from 1 x 10 power 7cm/s to less than 1 x 10 power 5cm/s.
The working wheel of the tidal engine has radial rods (1) carrying rigidly attached blades (2). The blades (2) are made as triangular planks which are recessed (4) at the base of the cross-sectional triangular shape.    During operation, when the wheel is subjected to the incoming tide, the wheel rotates as a result of excess forces due to the tide facing bases (3). On the outgoing tide, the situation is reversed, i.e. the blade bases (3) again face the direction of the water flow.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For power generation, utilising tidal energy. Has simple construction and reliable operation. Bul.28/30.7.84.
The power station, basically as described in the Parent Spec., consists of a conical pressure chamber (1) with a guide apparatus (2) and rotor (3) at the bottom on a vertical shaft (4) connected to the generator (5). The pressure chamber has apertures at the top and a manifold (7) linked via a pneumatic valve (8) to the atmos.    The power station differs by incorporating an additional shaft (10), located inside its suction pipe (9). The additional shaft is connected to the main vertical shaft (4) and has a flywheel (11) on its lower end with a fairing (12) above it. The central zone of the suction pipe is connected to the pneumatic valve (8) via a vacuum tube (13) with a variable pneumatic throttle (14).    The water entering the pressure chamber passes through the guide apparatus and rotor, turning the generator shaft. When the load on the generator falls and its shaft speed rises slightly, the water passes through the pressure chamber at sufficient speed to create a vacuum adjacent to the manifold. This opens the pneumatic valve and draws in air, reducing the consumption of water.    An increase in the load on the generator increases the flow of water, with the flywheel acting as a rapid but short-term regulator.    ADVANTAGE -   Wider range of control with use of suction pipe. Bul.28/30.7.84.
Photovoltaic device is formed by: forming a substrate with an insulating surface; adding a transparent electrode film (11); patterning the film with an energy beam to form islands of the film each corresp. to a photoelectric converting region (14), forming a semiconductor film on the islands; adding second electrodes of adjacent islands to each other.    ADVANTAGE -   Process avoids accidental shorts between electrodes in the photoelectric conversion regions; mfg. yield is increased and costs reduced. (First major country equivalent to J60003164-A)
The low head water turbine is prefabricated with the turbine and generator mounted inside a hydraulic duct. The unit is divided into two parts, in a sense transverse to the hydraulic axis (20), for construction and for transport. The first part (A) is the main structure containing the turbine and generator, while the second part (A1) is the outlet ducting.    The main structure (A1) contains the turbine and generator (1) and is of length determined by the maximal access dimension to the installation. Each element of the main structure is separately constructed and provided with cavities (61) to ensure flotatability. The elements are floated to site, the cavities filled to sink them and are then assembled end to end along theline of the hydraulic axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Prefabricated hydro-electric generator units which can be floated to site and assembled without need to build coffer dam.
The runner wheel has a rim of profiled blades and two front discs at its ends. An axially intermediate connecting disc completes the radial plane assembly on a shaft, with radially outwards slits matching the blade profiles for their retention. The intermediate sections (22) of the connecting disc (8) between the slits (20) are fitted with offset outer edges (30) in the region of the blade suction sides (26) w.r.t. the outer edges (28) on the blade pressure sides (24).    The radial offset is preferably 1/4 of the bladelength. The intermediate sections may extend in the region of the blade pressure sides radially outwards up to the inlet edges (34) of the blades (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Improved static and dynamic strength of the runner wheel and flow ratios in the blade channels.
The wheel has a hollow axle (2), mounted in bearings on a fixed horizontal shaft (17). Only part of the lower half of the wheel is submerged. The rotor consists of four blade assemblies (3) each with three radial spokes set at 120 deg. to each other. Each assembly is offset from the other three, so that the rotor has twelve equi-spaced spokes.    Each spoke consists of two side rods (6) connected by cross-braces (7). A pressure surface is formed by three sets of three thin plates (11) hinged together and hinged to the rods. As the spokes leave the water the plates hinge, allowing swift spillage of the water. The four assemblies are isolated by screen plates (20) when out of the water.
The system is shut down upon occurrence of under or over voltage at the generator or loss of water pressure at the turbine, disconnecting the generator from the utility line and closing the control valve to stop flow through the turbine. Should failure of the utility line power decrease the generator load to increase turbine speed, restart is prevented until the control valve has closed to stop the turbine. A time delay in the control panel shuts down the system if the control valve does not open within a selected time interval after start up.    To accommodate daily variation of flow rate to a water distribution and usage system, a turbine generator and control valve have a capacity to handle a min. flow rate and a second turbine generator and control valve, in parallel with the first, automatically come into operation when the flow rate exceeds the capacity of the first turbine generator and control valve. A control panel having a start relay, contactor relay and a time delay coils is provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Has optimum size and efficiency of predetermined min. flow in path having varying flow rate.
The chamber lies at a point outside of the turbine space and is in fluid communication with the conduit. High pressure vapour is inserted into the conduit at the same point, one side of water the stream.    The stream has a high flow rate in the conduit. Continuous pressure and velocity increases are caused in the stream. Practically no heat exchange takes place between the inserted vapour and the water prior to contact with the turbines.    ADVANTAGE -   Plant output is higher.
The method involves moving the rotor servomotor slide valve (1) when there are changes in the discordance between the controlling signal and a feedback signal according to the slide valve's position. The feedback signal is made negative in the zone of insensitivity close to the slide valve's central position and in the zone of its extreme positions.    The method differs in that the feedback signal is made positive in the zones of the slide valve's movement which are directly adjacent on both sides to the zone of insensitivity. When the exciting slide valve (4) moves, e.g. downwards, slide valve (1) also moves down, giving a simultaneous movement of the shaped wedge (8), rod (7) and lever (6), which act as a feedback. The movement of the wedge creates negative or positive feedback signals according to the shape of its surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Greater precision and reduced oil leaks. Bul.24/30.6.84
(JP93052674-B)      Producing semiconductor device comprises cleaning a conductive film contg. Sn oxide, using a liq. or gas contg. F, and forming a p-type semiconductor on the conductive film formed on a wafer; the liq. opt. a diluted hydrofluoric acid.    Used for making photoelectric conversion devices. (J59231878-A)
Wire is supplied through a hole of the object to be wound and a unit (125) draws by suction the wire from the other side of the hole to render the wire taut. The head is rotatable through 180 degrees so that the wire is stretched and wound round the object. A feeding unit (112) clamps the wire at the suction unit side, and is pivotal by 180 degrees and is movable to the vicinity of the object to direct the wire to the through hole. The wire is drawn by a second suction unit (126) which is then moved away from the object to stretch the wire after which the object is rotated by 180 degrees to wind the wire round the object. A second feeding unit (113) clamps the wire end at the second suction unit side, so pivoted by 180 degrees and is moved to direct the wire through the hole.
The module comprises a number of interconnected solar cell assemblies, as well as a groove section for retaining the protruding section on its opposite eside. Along the section length on the module side are engagement sections for the centre part of its length, which can engage the grooved section. The latter is of a length extending over the entire side of the module housing.    engagement sections when the section is inserted into the grooved section. In this manner two module housing are interconnectable by engagement of one protruding section into the grooved section of the other housing. By mutual shifting of the module housings along their sides, their connecting terminals are also connectable in the regular position of the two housings.    ADVANTAGE -   Easy formation of modular solar cell assembly with electrical and mechanical connection of individual modules.
The production method comprises using an apparatus having a single film forming chamber which is so designed that a dopant gas concentration can be controlled according to a position in the chamber. On base plate a p-type layer is formed containing a dopant impurity continuously decreasing to zero.    An i-type layer is then formed containing no dopant impurity on the p-type layer or n-type layer and then on the i-type layer the other of the n-type layer or p-type layer is formed containing dopant impurity continuously increasing from zero to a predetermined amount to form a graded P-I-N or N-I-P junction amorphous semiconductor device. The layer is changed by controlling the concentration of each respective dopant in a raw gas. The dopant concentration in the raw material gas varies as a function of position in the chamber. (First major country equivalent to J59229878)
The semiconductor radiation detector comprises a single crystal semiconductor substrate having a specific resistance of at least 10 K cm, and having electrode surfaces separated by side surfaces. An undoped amorphous semiconductor layer has a specific resistance higher than that of the substrate and the amorphous layer coats at least one of the electrode surfaces at least up to the sude surface. A electrode is deposited on the amorphous layer, and a second electrode is deposited over the other of the electrode surfaces.    An amorphous semiconductor layer of specific resistance higher than that of the substrate, coats the other electrode surface and the second electrode is deposited over the latter amorphous layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not have variable ageing characteristics. (First major country equivalent to J59227168)
A liquid is alternately admitted to and allowed to leave from a container or chamber. The container has coupling passages for the expulsion of fluid and for the induction of fluid as liquid respectively enters and leaves the container. Fluid expelled from and redrawn into the container can be used to drive a suitable rotationally turing turbine unit, which is provided with connections for driving an electrical generator or hydraulic pump.    A float or free on floats upon the liquid to separate the liquid from the fluid. The material foming the container is flexible so that fluid is in some part expelled from and drawn to the container due to the change in shape as liquid is admitted to and evacuated from it.    USE -   For driving electrical generator, low or high pressure hydraulic pump or mechanical drive.
A rigid dihedral block (1) has a horizontal face and a vertical face to which a photodiode carrier (2) e.g. of ceramic is bonded. The diode (3) is formed on a substrate (31) as a circular disc surrounded by contact metallisation. The fibre (4) is stiffened at its end by gluing to a fibre carrier (5) of ceramic, A1, Cu or brass and positioned by manipulation of a sleeve (6) stuck over it.    White light is passed through the fibre to produce a spot on the diode disc for positioning w.r.t. its metallised surround.    ADVANTAGE -   Easily positioned by semi-skilled operator, and assembly is well-suited to insertion in hybrid circuit package, and mass prodn. It is resistant to thermal or mechanical stresses.
(JP92043432-B)      Photoelectromotive device prodn. comprises laminating a conductive layer on an Ohmic layer made of Al or Al alloy, this layer being Ohmic-contacted with an optical semiconductor layer; the conductive layer being to form photoelectric conversion areas.    USE -   For converting the sunshine into an electric energy. (J59220979-A)
The panel comprises (a) a light-transparent substrate (3) comprising a flexible, chemically reinforced sheet (5) of alkali-free or alkali-contg. glass 0.2-1.2 mm thick, having K contg. layers (6, 7) formed in the opposite main surfaces; and (b) a laminate (4) formed on the substrate comprising (i) a light transparent conductive layer (10); (ii) at least one pin type non-single crystal semiconductor photoelectric conversion structure (11) and (iii) a second conductive layer (17).    Multiple photoelectric conversion panels (1) each as above, are disposed side by side in a flexible plastic frame (2) reinforced with C fibres, having the same flexibility as the glass sheet substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate is lightweight and does not break when exposed to high wind press. or when hit by a small object e.g. a pebble. With a flexible frame, the panel structure similarly is not damaged. The structures are thus suitable for outdoor use under sever conditions. (First major country equivalent to J59217378-A)
The generator is contained within a hollow member with buoyancy so that the electric power is produced at the water surface. The generator includes a hollow shaft with extensions at either end and a tubular rotor with blades which is rotatably supported on the shaft and sealingly closed at either end by covers and/or intermediate blade members.    The generator stator is secured on the shaft and its internal rotor is driven by the bladed rotor via a gear transmission. The outer ends of the shaft extensions are moored and the power conductors extend through the shaft, an extension and a mooring tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compact, light-weight unit and easily installed where small water current is available. Esp. for mooring a small stream.
An axial or half-axial rotor wheel is mounted in a pipe housing. An electro-generator or electric motor is equipped with a gearing. The electro-generator or motor has a chamber whose peripheral area and end face further from the pipe housing are bounded by single or multiple-piece protective housing.    The housing is attached directly to the pipe housing or via intermediate parts e.g. splash chamber. The single-part or multiple-part protective housing is designed as a dished body of revolution, pref. as a cylindrical body with one sealed and one open end, a mounting flange being on the open end.
A number of solar cells are electrically connected in series with each other, each cell having an exposed side to absorb light impinging on it. A heat conductor has a surface in thermal contact with an opposite of each cell. A coolant tube adapted to be charged with coolant fluid, in thermal contact with the conductor.    A dielectric material positioned between the heat conductor and coolant tube electrically insulates the tube from the conductor. A transparent cover mounted on the conductor isolates the solar cells from the external environment, the cells being attached to the cover at their exposed sides. The cover is releasably secured in sealing engagement with the conductor.    ADVANTAGE -   Releasable securing device facilitates easy removal of cover and attached solar cells from receiver for repair or replacement without interrupting circulation of coolant fluid through tube.
The equipment comprises a circuit including a number of key input contacts. A frame is arranged on the surface of the circuit structure, and key input buttons are arranged one for each of the key input contacts. The frame has holes for each of the key input contacts, an insulative layer adjoining the electrical circuit and a metal layer which is in contact with the electrical circuit.    The metal layer is exposed at the holes so that the key input buttons, which fit into the holes, selectively and electrically connect the key input contacts to the metal layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Thin structure. (First major country equivalent to J59211286)
A solar battery consisting of several cells is produced by using a pair of soft foils (polyester), each carrying conductor tracks in the direction of the cell alignment. The tracks of one foil are directed towards the light receiving surfaces of the cells, and those of the other towards the rear. A section of the receiving surface protrudes in the space between the cells. Each cell is enclosed between the foils by a pressure application, followed by an irradiation of both surfaces to produce welded joints.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes on both cell surfaces now suffer no cracks or scaling. Several cells can be connected to a battery at high speed.
A sandwich structure formed of a planar support member carries array modules, each array comprising an array of solar cells on one face of the member and a radio frequency (RF) module on the other face. Solar energy is converted by the solar cells to d.c. power which is coupled directly to the RF module through the support member.    The RF module comprising an RF amplifier and an antenna, energised by the d.c. power, generates an RF signal for radiation by the antenna in the form of a directional beam such as one pointed towards the earth. Such beams are combined into a single beam by suitable phasing of the individual beams from the respective array modules.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Operation of communications satellites and satellites having radar functions. Uses solid stage technology to generate the microwave signals and increases reliability by eliminating high voltage rotating joints.
The system includes panels positioned in a row, supported on parallel axes. The panels are linked together by two transmission connecting rods (11,12) situated on either side of the row. Each panel is attached to a chassis (15) which is able to rotate about the axis under the action of cables (13,14) passing over guide pegs.    The guide pegs are mounted on plates (18) which also support the connecting rods. One of the panels, normally the middle in the row, includes an array of photocells which allow it to track the sun. The motor moves this main panel according to the sun's position, and the other panels are drawn into parallel positions.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises shadows caused by one panel on another.
The solar panel which is supported on a triangular frame is intended to be orientated in azimuth towards the sun. The angle of sight remains constant. The panel includes a row of photocells, and a Fresnel lens with a linear focus concentrating the sun's rays on to the photocells. The lens is positioned so that the photocells lie in a plane midway between the focal plane of the lens under normal incidence, and the focal plane of the lens for the max. possible angle of sight. The concentration factor of the lens is moderate - typically of the order of 5. The Fresnel lens has its flat surface towards the sun, and the series of inclined planes facing the cells, with the width of these surfaces increasing from the edge towards the middle of the lens.    ADVANTAGE -   Is of simple and economic construction with acceptable losses and reduced local temp. of photocells.
An array of an even number of amorphous silicon solar cells are serially connected between two terminals of opposite polarity. The terminals are connected to one input terminal of a DC motor whose other input terminal is connected to the mid-cell of the serial array. Vane elements are adjacent the end cells to selectively shadow one or the other of the end cells when the array is oriented from a desired attitude relative to the sun.    The shadowing of one cell of a group of cells on one side of the mid-cell reduces the power of that group substantially so that full power from the group of cells on the other side of the mid-cell drives the motor to reorient the array to the desired attitude. The cell groups each have a full power output at the power rating of the motor. When the array is at the desired attitude, the power output of the two groups of cells balances due to their opposite polarity so that the motor remains unpowered.
The heat pipe has a body (1) with evaporation and condensation zones (2) and (3), provided with optic-fibre wick (4) with light transmitting elements, coupled on opposite ends with light inlet (6) and light outlet (7), the latter made as a set of modules (9). In order to use the pipe as tracking detector, the body on the light inlet (6) side is provided with a blind (11) having a diaphragm opening (12). The light inlet is made as faces which are directed to opening (12). The modules (9) are provided with photo-electric transformers (10).    Initially the pipe is placed along the solar concentrator optic axis so that manifold (13) is in the focal region and blind (11) opening (12) is directed towards the sun. The sun rays through opening (12) fall onto face (8) and are transmitted through wick (4) light transmitting element to transformer (10), which forms an electric current.    ADVANTAGE -   The heat pipe can be used as solar power plant tracking detector. Bul.21/7.6.85
The framework has a stationary bearing element and hinged rods. The concentration level is increased since the rods form frames with paired parallel sides and are connected to each other by hinges. Each frame one side rod is the bearing element which is orientated along the concentrator optic axis. When the concentrator is parabolo-cylindrical, each frame is rhomboid shaped and one of its hinges is situated in the concentrator focus.    USE -   The solar energy concentrator folding framework can be used for power, technological and domestic purposes. Bul.21/7.6.85
A thermoelectric module (24) includes an electrically insulative holder (40) defining an array of compartments (50), each compartment containing a thermoelectric element (52,54), and a compressed resilient thermally conductive pad (62), of e.g. copper fibre felt. The holder includes spaced parallel first (46) and second (48) walls defining the compartments, a first side is positioned, in a thermoelectric converter, adjacent a heat source (22) and a second side adjacent a heat sink (26).    Every other second wall extends to the first side but short of the second side, and the remaining second walls extends to the second side but short of the first side, so that elements may be electrically connected within the envelope of the holder.
The plant harnesses the temp. difference between the warm water in the superficial layer of the ocean, and the cold water in the deeper regions. The plant incudes an evaporating section and condensing section connected by an electric power generating section comprising a turbine and electric generator.    The evaporators are supplied from a liquid reservoir including a tank and pump. Sections of the pipe work are insulated whilst valves control the flow of water. The system is capable of operating in a low power mode at night, during which the evaporators are flushed out to remove accumulated deposits.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficiency maintained by self-cleansing process.
At the beginning of the working day, the 24-hour inclination of the sun is set across a rigid tie-bar (8) due to a change in the length of the telescope bar. Then the tie-bar (8) is directed at the sun. The drive shaft (7) then begins to rotate at a constant angular velocity, omega, equal to 15 degrees per hour on a precise time signal. The tie-bar (8) undergoes rotary motion imparted from the drive shaft (7). The slide blocks (10) are displaced along the guides (II) fastened on the body (12) of the heliostat (2) i.e. sun tracker unit. The latter is then rotated relative to the axes of the support-rotatable unit (3) shafts (4,5).    The unit (2) undergoes complex movement relative to the point 'B', the rotation centre. The normal N to the surface of the unit (2) always remains the bisecting line of the acute angle formed by the lines AB, connecting the radiation receiver centres (I) and those of the unit (2) and the rigid tie-bar (8). The reflected rays from the unit (2) remain in a plane passing through the centre of the solar disc and a line (6), and are directed along the latter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sun tracking units. Kinematic tracking mechanism increases tracking accuracy by minimising area of reflecting surface of mirror used to illuminate solar radiation receiver. Takes into account solar ray refraction.
Several substrates are formed in a continuous laminating process where a thin layer of a low temperature lead-oxile lead-oxide based vitreous enamel is fused between two layers of copper foil. Small galss beads with a high silica content are used as spacers for the layers of foil. The substrates move over a series of rollers through a number of work stations maintained at low pressures and with thin thermo-electric p or n type semiconductor elements secured in a predetermined location.    Superstates are then provided to form thermoelectric modules. The latter are placed between and in contact with adjacent hollow panels which alternately have hot and cold fluid respectively passed through them.
Several photoelectric converter elements are provided having thin film semiconductors disposed adjacently in line and in one plane. The converter elements are shaped so that each one overlaps its neighbouring element by a predetermined length when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the elements are disposed.    Alternatively, the pattern detector includes an array of two parallel lines of photoelectric converter elements, each line having a number of thin film semiconductors disposed in a line and in one plane. The two lines are staggered so that the centre of any element is opposed to a space between neighbouring elements of another line. Hence, when considering the entire array, the overlap is between the two lines.    ADVANTAGE -   Is less expensive and may be made to have large surface area.
An optically enhanced thin film photovoltaic device ohmic contacts is mfd. by (a) producing an active layer of semiconductor material having at least one textured surface consisting of randomly spaced, densely packed microstructures of predetermined dimensions of the order of the wavelength of visible light in the material, comprising microcolumnar posts having a predetermined profile, resulting in optical enhancement by optical scattering with a randomisation fraction, beta, greater than 0.75; and (b) forming a reflecting surface directly on either side of the layer, making an ohmic contact to the material, where (i) the parasitic optical absorption in the contacts and reflecting surface are less than 1/n2; where n = semiconductor refractive index; so (ii) the enhancement factor, E, for absorption in the active semiconductor layer and quantum efficiency of photogenerated carrier collection are increased by a factor greater than 1.5n2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is useful as a solar cell. Light absorption is enhanced, allowing the thickness of the active layer to be reduced and semiconductor purity requirements relaxed.
The machinery comprises a paraboloid concentrator which consists of many sections of reflective material of trapeziform shape and which are assembled on the load-carrying structure consisting of a similar number of frames. A boiler is supported at the focal point of the parabolic concentrator surface which is rotatable and inclinable on supporting rollers at the upper ends of the arcuate supports in order to align the concentrator axis with the sun.    Once orientated, a programmed logical control system operates the appropriate geared motors to give East-West rotation whilst synchronised with the sun's declination. The concentrator is programmed to return to an original set position at the end of each day.    ADVANTAGE -   Functions automatically with each day's concentrator motion being triggered by presence of sun.
A polymer blend comprising a highly conductive polymer (I) and a solid polymer electrolyte (II) is useful in photoelectro chemical cells for conversion of solar energy to electricity, esp. to provide better charge transfer across the conductive film/polymer electrolyte interface of the cell. The present application is a division of 09.12.82-US-448115, which is a continuation in part of US4442185.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of the polymer blends in photovoltaic cells as described in Parent Specification US4442185 gives improved efficiency (approaching 35% compared with a theoretical efficiency of 25% with most prior art cells) and a cell output voltage of 0.625 volts compared with 0.2-0.5 volts for prior art cells.
Rigid, ultra lightweight substrate is made from a thermoset plastic film by (a) forming ribs in a first sheet of the film by: (i) placing the sheet over a female mould of a desired configuration including elongated parallel grooves therein corresponding to the ribs to be formed in the sheet; (ii) urging the sheets into the grooves by means of male mating bars; and (iii) applying heat and pressure to the assemblage of the female mould, first sheet, and mating bars to thereby form a first ribbed sheet; (b) repeating step (a) on a second sheet of film to thereby form a second ribbed sheet; (c) removing the mating bars from the assemblages used in steps (a) and (b); (d) bonding the first and second ribbed sheets together with the ribs of the first sheet generally at right angles to the ribs on the second sheet and with the ribs of each sheet facing away from each other, the bonding including the application of an adhesive to the mating surfaces of the ribbed sheets, with the ribbed sheets held in the desired configuration in the female moulds by a vacuum; (e) curing the adhesive to bond the ribbed sheets together so that the ribs will not collapse; and (f) removing the bonded ribbed sheets from the female moulds.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar arrays used to generate power for spacecraft include substrates having solar cells mounted thereon, and there is an increased need for substrates which are rigid, lightweight, deployable and retractable and have high resistivity to ultraviolet light.
Wave energy converter comprises a frame with floats (6) mounted on it so that the distance between them can be varied, and a hydraulic pump (4) connected to the frame. The floats are attached to the lower surface of the frame, and the pump is on the water bed below.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to power generators on shores of seas and lakes, and on oil rigs at sea. Can be coupled together in a series of modules of the above design to provide proportionally greater electricity output, using a single storage tank and upper section of lift tube for all modules. Efficiency is improved. Bul.20/30.5.85
The solar energy converter includes a frame-or box-shaped supporting structure (10) for accommodating an absorber (5) carrying a heat-conducting medium and combined with the photovoltaic solar cells (3).    The supporting structure (10) comprises a glass covering plate (2) to which the solar cell surfaces facing the absorber (5) are fixed. The covering plate (2) is separated from the absorber in such a way that no heat conduction, or very little, exists between the solar cells (3) and the absorber (5). Pref. an air or vacuum space is provided between the covering plate (2) for the solar cells and the absorber (5).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simultaneous conversion of solar radiation into electrical and thermal energy. Solar cells operate at optimal efficiency.
The device for generating hydraulic or electrical energy from the waves of the sea incorporates a buoyant unit (1), an energy converter, and a connecting member to the sea bed. The length of the connecting member (3) is variable and controllable by the operative limits (A,B) of the energy converter (2).    Pref. the buoyant unit is made of a polymer foam, pref. polystyrene foam.    The connecting member is pref. made of material with elastic expansion of less than 0.5 per cent, under full loading, in the lower part; and of 1-5 per cent in the upper part which is guided over rollers. This part can consist of a polymer fibre belt.    ADVANTAGE -   Provision is readily made for varying water levels in tidal waters.
The module includes a base plate or board (1) mechanically joined to a carrier board (2) to which the solar cell panels (3) are attached and the carrier board (2) can be fixed in a position at an angle to the base board (1). The angle can be adjusted by turning the board (2) relative to the axis (5) or to both axes (4, 5) running mutually normal to one another in the plane of the base board (1).    The two axes (4, 5) correspond to the angle of slope of a roof or to a horizontal line, and for adjustment of the carrier board (2) relative to the base board (1), a click-stop device (7) is provided.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photovoltaic solar cell panels for roof-top installation on buildings. Gives optimum adjustment of the solar cells independently of the development plan for a building relative to the position and movement of the sun.
The device includes a membrane for concentrating sunlight, a number of elongated structural members for suspending the membrane member and a number of control members for adjustably tensioning the membrane member, as well as for controlling a focus produced by the membrane members. Each control member is disposed at a different corresponding one of the plurality of structural members.    The collector also comprises an elongated flexible tensioning member, which serves to stretch the membrane member and to thereafter hold it in tension, and a number of sleeve members, which serve to provide the membrane member with a desired surface contour during tensioning of the membrane member. The tensioning member is coupled to the structural members such that the tensioning member is adjustably tensioned through the structural member.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electricity generation. Can be used to compensate for reflector surface variations due to reflector creep and environmental loads at collector site.
The solar power generator includes a metal electrode (12) for the protection diode connected to the battery substrate in order to protect the battery cells during operation in the reverse direction. The protection diode is formed by the three amorphous silicon semiconductor layers (2,3,4).    The connection wire (10) joins one metal electrode (6) of one solar battery cell to the metal electrode (7) of an adjacent solar battery cell, and a wire (11) joins the protection diode's metal electrode (12) to the electrode (7) of the adjacent solar battery cell. Both the protection diode electrode (12) and the electrode (5,6) for the solar battery cell are arranged on the amorphous silicon semiconductor layers (2,3,4) and are mutually electrically isolated from one another.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Current supply units. Avoids possible 5,6/7) during soldering of small components e.g. silicon diodes and has reduced mfg. time.
The carrier for the cells of a solar generator, and a flexible generator in space in particular is produced in which the cells are connected together electrically, fitted with cover glasses and preferably glued to the carrier. The carrier material is glass cloth, to which a liquid resin is applied to the points of intersection of the fibres; the solvent in the resin is evaporated off and the liquid resin is cured so as bind the fibres together. The cell adhesive is a transparent silicone adhesive.    Solar generator, with two solar cells (2,3) are glued on with transparent silicone rubber (4) to the substrate (1). The adhesive is applied by a silk screen printing method on to substrate or underside of the cells. The cells are connected electrically (5) and have top cover glasses (6,7).    The glass cloth substrate (1) is treated with polyester at the crossing points of its fibres. It can also be strengthened with resins at set points e.g. a plastic film of polyimide or polycarbonate, applied as a solution and then dried and/or cured afterwards. All the resins can be used by impregnating the fabric in areas or completely; alternatively they can be applied to the points concerned e.g. by roller and mask or by silk screen.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate for the cells has low weight, high light transmittivity and max. stiffness.
(JP92033146-B)      Back side protective sheet for solar cell module comprises a heat-resistive film formed on the inner surface of a heat-resistive and weather-resistive resin film and adhesive resin layer formed on the heat resistive film.    Used for solar energy utilisations. (J60201652-A)
A powered compressor (16) pressurises air in a bell chamber (10) which is submerged. A water turbine (12) is driven by water issuing from sluices (11) in the chamber, and is connected to an electrical generator.
The water system produces electrical and/or mechanical energy according to the user's requirement from the pressure of sea water or some other natural water source.    The conversion system comprises a vertical cylinder set in the water with provision for water ingress at the top and outflow at the bottom. A water turbine is mounted transversely at the top of the cylinder, and a second water turbine is mounted at the bottom of the cylinder and has the transverse extensions which cause rotation of the water in horizontal tubes at the bottom of the cylinder. The resulting turbulence induces a low pressure region which increases the intake of water through the top of the cylinder.
The water energy conversion system comprises a water delivery system and an eccentrically mounted receptacle (7) carried on an axis placed below its half height and restored to its equilibrium position by a counterweight (9) fitted at its base.    The receptacle is filled with water from the water delivery conduits, moving downward as it fills. The base of the receptacle is coupled to a lever which operates a hydraulic force amplifier using a small piston hydraulically coupled to a large piston. The large piston is coupled to a mass which, during its descent, operates an electric dynamo (6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion to electric energy of flow energy of water derived from drainage water outflows, domestic water supplies, or natural water courses.
The system uses conduits mounted on the back of a floating vessel or a platform to collect water which falls to the bottom of the conduit, driving both propellers (1) and a generator as it passes. The electricity produced by the generator can be used to drive on-board facilities, and the propellor provides motive power to drive a ship.    The conduit is mounted vertically with its top open to the waves so that a wave crest will fill the conduit with water. The water falls the length of the conduit to drive a water turbine mounted at the bottom of the conduit, and exhausts at the open bottom of the conduit. The water turbine drives an electric generator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To provide motive power for a ship if required.
The system operates in two modes: i) auto-tracking (AT) and ii) auto-tracking with temp regulation (ATTR). In the (AT) mode, solar monitor (8) output (13,14) signals pass to the summary amplifiers (6,7) with switching outputs (22,24). The system maintains max. power across the solar energy receiver (1) located at the focal point of the concentrator (2).    In the (ATTR) mode, switching stage inputs (17,18) receive signals which control the azimuth and positioning angle of the solar tracking unit. The switching unit (9) reduces the number of control signal buses.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For automated systems, partic. solar installation controllers i.e. solar radiation concertrators. Simplifies the design. Bul.18/15.5.85
The appts. comprises a reflector and a pre-programmed, automatic timed drive mechanism connected to the reflector for driving the reflector on a given path. Both ultraviolet and infrered sensors are positioned on the reflector.    A device compares the amount of light detected by each opposing pair of sensors. A device responsive to the comparing device tilts the reflector about a horizontal and a vertical axis until the amount of light detected by each pair of sensors is equalised.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides device for correcting tracking mechanism whenever there is no direct sunlight.
A half-angle position of the reflector is determined in which the focal axis is aligned with a half angle between the sun and the receiver. A skew factor is a function of an angle between the sun and a vertical axis to offset effects of tracking alignment errors resulting from location of a pivot axis of the reflector. A modified position of the reflector is based upon the half-angle position and the skew factor.    A tracking drive moves the reflector w.r.t. north-south and east-west. The tracking drive is controlled to move the reflector to the modified position so as to maintain the focal axis aligned with the half angle between the sun and the receiver but with the alignment of the focal axis with the half angle being skewed by the factor which is a function of an angle between the sun and a vertical axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Reducing tracking error efficiency losses, and using standard framing systems over wide range of latitudes.
On a small mismatch w.r.t. the optical axis of the monitor (30) and the direction of the reflected solar rays, the light spot is displaced relative to the symmetry point of the time tracking light guides inlet cross section. One of the photoresistors (5) is illuminated by the light spot and the second (6) remains in shade. The converter (28) produces sinusoidal voltages whose corresp. signals across the shaper (24) reduces the phase angle relative to the mains voltage sinusoidal waveform dependent on the extent to which the photoresistor is illuminated. The a.c. in the actuator motor (2) control winding (22) developes a rotation velocity to reduce the angular mismatch w.r.t. monitor (30) optical axis.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For automatic controlling tracking systems e.g. heliostats partic. sun tracking installations. Improves reliability and increases life time. Bul.17/7.5.85
Improved efficiency of heated waters power converter into mechanical work, driving an electrical generator is achieved by reducing the hydraulic resistance of vessels motion in liquid. The variable volume expander and compressor provide adiabatic process conditions and increase the power output by intensifying the heat exchange between the working medium and the liquid in the heater and the cooler. The mounting of the heater, expander and compressor on the same shaft improves the efficiency of the hydropneumatic heat engine.    The engine includes variable volume vessels (1) fitted with valves (2) periodically coupled to valves (23) of top and bottom shafts (5,6) wrapped by the endless transmission element (3). The valves (23) are at the tip of connectors (10), and the vessels (1) move through the liquid, while the engine comprises three more transmission systems with similar vessels, each of the four transmissions operating in the liquid-filled enclosed casing to form the expander, cooler, compressor and heater. The power transfer is carried out with interconnected shafts similar to shafts (5,6). The vessels of the heater and cooler are in the shape of bellows and hold fans, and the transmissions use multi-row chains to provide the drive for the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   The variable volume vessels receiving the gaseous working medium through periodical valve contact reduce the hydraulic drag when moving through the thermal water filling the enclosed casing. Bul.16/30.4.85.
The device comprises vertical guides, a float and a working chamber of variable vol. consisting of moving and fixed elements and having induction and pressure valves at the bottom.    The device also has a weight above the water. This is in the form of an open-bottom body (3) with flange (4) able to move on the guides. The float is of annular shape and acts with the flange. The working chamber is in the body, and its moving element is fixed on the guides. The moving element may be in the form of a bellows.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces inertia mass of float and gives a wider operating range. Bul.16/30.4.85
Simplified mounting and enhanced efficiency of wave energy converter are due to the support and the float holding the cylinder the piston rod of which carrying the hollow buffer disc. The inlet channel is inside the float, while the discharge channel is machined in the rod and is connected to the inlet channel by a non-return valve.    The wave motion imparts oscillations to the float (2) moving vertically together with the cylinder (3) so that water enters the top chamber of the buffer disc (7) held beneath the wave trough. This controls the position of the piston (4) and gives rise to a decompression in the cylinder (3) which opens the valve (10) and closes valve (8). The water is then drawn into the cylinder through the channels. The dropping float sea ts the cylinder on the piston increasing pressure in the cylinder to close valve (10) and open valve (8) to drive the water to the user point.    ADVANTAGE -   The unit allows one to operate without a foundation, and improves the efficiency of wave energy converter. Bul.16/30.4.85
A semi-rigid foldable solar generator, for use in satellites and spacecraft, consists of several cells, each with a cover glass and welded by connectors to the next. Carbon fibre strips cover the connectors and are joined at the outstanding ends by second carbon fibre strips. Carbon fibre frames enclose at least two subsections and are assembled with hinges to a solar generator.    ADVANTAGE -   This is a lightweight modular design which functions reliably and folds up easily.
Integrated solar cell comprises a transparent support; a transparent electrode formed of parallel strips; semiconductor layer formed of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the el-ctrode strips but extends over the other edge; and a back side electrode layer in the form of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the semiconductor strips but extends over the other edge.    A dimensional relationship between the components is given.    ADVANTAGE -   The output per unit area of the cell is optimised. (First major country equivalent to J60182757-A)
A rotating annular shaped housing is provided having a support shaft received and surrounded by a containment. A number of individual compartments are constructed in the housing. Pumps remove material in the compartments as the power is used and fill the containers as power is generated. Auxiliary power is provided from aerodynamic foils for initially rotating the housing to a predetermined speed and intermittently maintaining the speed as the need is required.    The housing includes armature windings mounted around the periphery and adjacent field windings mounted in the sides of the containment. The auxiliary power may also be provided by one or more externally mounted motors to bring the rotating system up to speed and maintain the power level of the system. The rotating system in turn may drive a conventional generator either directly or through a drive train.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Wind or ocean current generator. For ships, aircraft, mobile ground equipment, space applications, or fixed land and water installations for accumulation and release of power. Maintains speed as power is withdrawn from system.
The device includes a linear Fresnel lens optically cross-coupled with simple cylindrical lenses. The cross-coupled lens concentrator comprises an optically clear dielectric material, such as acrylic plastic, with a number of linear prisms formed on its inner surface. A number of perpendicularly mounted cylindrical lenses formed are on its outer surface, such that the cylindrical lenses focus the sunlight toward a series of lateral axes and the prisms re-focus the sunlight along a longitudinal axis.    The bi-focussed radiant energy is thereby concentrated upon a series of photovoltaic cells for transforming sunlight into electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high concentration ratio, cost effectively.
The generating set consists of a floating housing (1) which is partly filled with a liq. and contains a converter which is linked to a pto shaft. The converter is made in the form of a flat float (2), with its centre and opposite edges attached respectively to the base of the housing and the pto shaft (5) by flexible cables (3,4).    The motion of the waves rocks the housing and the liq. inside it, moving the edges of the flat float up and down. This movement is transmitted by the flexible c cables and a gear (6) to the pto shaft (5), driving a power generator (7).    ADVANTAGE -   Less hydraulic losses and higher conversion efficiency. Bul.14/15.4.85
The system combines a cylindrical rotor shell with a conduit shaft. The rotor is a sealed vessel of considerable volume having a large capacity of buoyancy able to support the combined total weight of the complete assembly including the conduit shaft and the power generating equipment in the rotor inner space. The whole construction floats on a water surface with a submergence line just below the lowest point of the centrally located conduit shaft.    Rotor shell is supported on a number of radial internal arms spaced along the conduit shaft. The arms have split housings to accommodate the journals and shaft. Bearings shaft bearings which allow the rotor free rotary motion on the shaft in either direction.    ADVANTAGE -   Produces commercially useful power output by converting low speed rotary motion with high torque on rotor hub into fast rotary or reciprocating motion by augmenting transmission for operation of hydraulic pumps, compressors or electric generators.
The collector includes a flexible reflective wall which is deflected to a curved, pref. paraboloidal, configuration by application of differential pressures to opposites sides of the wall. The reflective wall forms the back wall of an inflatable bag having a forward flexible wall through which radiation from a source passes to the interior of the bag for reflection by the rear wall toward an axis of the device. Alternatively the flexible wall is the front wall of a vacuum chamber and is deflected rearwardly by the differential between a subatmospheric pressure in the chamber and atmospheric chamber at the front of the wall.    A structure extending essentially circularly along the periphery of the flexible reflective wall restrains the peripheral position of the wall against constriction radially inwardly upon applications of the pressure differential to the wall.    USE -   For receiving and concentrating solar radiation, or microwave television broadcast signals etc.
Associated with an open cycle power plant is a closed Rankine cycle organic fluid power plant for producing power. Heat from the geothermal fluid is transferred to the closed cycle power plant and heat depleted fluid is injected into a rejection well. The system includes a condenser that operates at a pressure greater than or equal to about atmospheric pressure with the result that the condenser is directly vented to the rejection well.    Uncondensible gases contained in the geothermal fluid are thus passed directly into the rejection well.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   May be applied to noncondensible gas in steam produced in industrial processes. Environmentally acceptable, eliminates the need for vacuum pump and thus increases useful work produced.
Control circuit comprises switching element (1), stepping motor (2) power amplifier (3), pulse distributor (4) delay elements (5-7), pulse shapers (8,9) control unit (10) driver oscillator (11) and decoder (12).    Adjustment codes are applied to inputs (13,14) which determn. a fixed duration of signals 'power add-on' and 'scan', with time delay for the two delay elements (6,7).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For control of heliostats of solar power stations. It eliminates simultaneously current (field current) supply to motor coils. Bul.13/7.4.85
The sun rays reflected from the heliostat mirror (2) and falling to the servo-transmitter (8) forms the main negative feedback of the system with which the continuous automatic regulation of position of heliostat (1) is achieved in functional dependence from the displacement of the sun in the sky. The rate of rotation of electric motors (2,3) in the servo mode is proportional to the value of the angular mismatch and to the voltage on excitation windings (21,22). The light beam is moved proportionally to the angular mismatch. The light is focussed by optical unit (9) on the plane of the photoreceiver (10) made of opposite lying photoreceivers (11-14) of the servo transmitter (8). At the output of differential amplifiers (27,28) signals appear whose polarity depends on the direction of movement of the light spot relative to the centre of coordinate axis of photoreceiver (10).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For automated heliostat systems can be used as actuator of two channel system of control. Has advantage of high economy. Bul.13/7.4.85.
During normal operation of the control systems for the group of heliostats (1,2,3), the solar rays reflected from the heliostats have their directional parameters stabilised during both visible and nonvisible (due to cloud cover) movement of the sun (109).    Rays from the sun (109) reflect from the driving heliostat (1) and are made incident on a two-coordinate optical sensor (4) which gives an output-analog signal for input into a function generator (not shown here) depending on the magnitude and sign of the error angle from the assigned direction to give a digital code for input into the control unit, which then operates on the first switching device of the driving heliostat (1) and also on first and second correcting devices of the driven (or secondary) heliostats (2,3).    When the sun (109) is hidden behind cloud, then the solar radiation sensor (5) output analog signal is reduced, and the threshold element (not shown) of the first setting shaper (17) and a three-input AND-gate (not shown) are triggered.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar power stations grouped heliostats control. System simplified. Bul.13/7.4.85.
Solar cell package comprises: a glass substrate with a first surface for receiving light anf a second surface with a solar cell element; a spaced backplate on the second surface and connected via a peripheral frame; a sealing resin around the inside of the frame sealing the space between backplate and second surface; a layer of dessicant on the inner surface of the backplate; and leads from the solar cell element. Dessicant is pref. a zeolite.    ADVANTAGE -   Package provides good protection for the cell and permits cell to withstand harsh conditions over a long period; it is low cost and can be mass produced. (First major country equivalent to J60170270-A)
Integral solar cell panel comprises a number of interconnected solar cells attached to a fibre-reinforced polyimide film substrate in which the solar cells are bonded to the surface of the polyimide film by the final curing of the polyimide. The front surface of the solar cells may be provided with a transparent protective polymer coating, e.g. of polyimide resin.    ADVANTAGE -   Process allows prodn. of low cost, lightweight solar cell array panels without a separate stage of adhesively bonding the cells to the substrate, and without using a preformed reinforced polyimide laminate.
The solar module includes a number of metallic conductor strips deposited on at least one transparent conductor layer of each cell. The strips are positioned substantially normal to one edge of the conductor layer. A second metallic conductor strip is deposited on the conductor layer of each cell, and is positioned along the edge and interconnects one end of each of the first strips.    The second strip of each cell extends laterally onto the substrate from the cells. The other of the first and second conductor layers of each cell extends laterally on the from the cells. Thesemiconductor layer is a continuous unpatterned sheet for all cells, and interconnection between adjacent cells is made by contacting the extended portion of the second metallic conductor strips with the extended portion of the other conductor of an adjacent cell at a point on the substrate laterally displaced from the semiconductor sheet.    ADVANTAGE -   Has reduced effective resistivity. /3
The system can operate in three modes, which are set from an external command signal source, from mode setter (21); (i) automatic back-up, (ii) automatic back-up with temp. regulation, (iii) semi-automatic control - operator positioning of heliostat. The control system contains azimuthal and zenith drives (2,3) connected electrically (via networks 4) to the monitors (5,6) and angular position setters (7,8). The logic unit controller has threshold stages (42,44), inverter (45), and voltage source (46).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For heliostat control systems. Widens functional possibilities. Bul.12/30.3.85
Before start-up, the controls control system (8) is adjusted on a signal from the sun position monitor (7), a mechanical coordinate scaling unit (15) is withdrawn in each control channel. Each heliostat (2) is positioned to produce null signals across the output of comparator (10). On displacement of the sun i.e. in the azimuthal tracking palne, one of the monitors (7) photo-elements is illuminated. Monitor (7) output passes to one of the commutator (9) relays (36) to energise the contact group (37). An a.c. insert supply is applied to the monitor (7) azimuthal drive and the auxiliary azimuthal drives (11) of the coordinate scaling unit (18).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For helio-technology partic. lower-type electrical power stations. Improved operational reliability. Bul.12/30.3.85
(JP92076231-B)      Sheet comprises a heat resistive film, on the inside of which an electrically insulative glassy moisture-proof film is found. A filler sheet is laminated on the inside of this film.    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J60164348-A)
The tracking head includes a housing (32) having an elongate narrow slot (34) in its top surface (36) which is surmounted by a glass pane (35). Mounted centrally of the base (38) of the housing is a platform (40) on the upper surface of which is mounted two phototransistors (42,44). In use of the head (18) the slot (34) is arranged to be parallel to the axis of the trough, to extend in the north-south direction.    A power supply produces DC levels required for the control circuit and for a motor which rotates the solar trough about its axis. The circuit includes a relay coil having contacts for reversing the motor when the east or west limit switches are engaged. When the relay coil is not energised the contacts are such that the motor rotates the trough towards the west. The circuit also includes a master cell for enabling operation of the circuitry during daylight hours only.
The plant comprises pivoted pontoons (1) and pumps, each with a body (3) and piston with rod (4). It has yokes (2) pivoted on the pontoons, and a horizontal platform (5) immersed in the water, suspended from the yokes by rods (6). The rods are pivoted to the lower arms of the yokes. The upper arms of the yokes are pivoted to the bodies and rods of the pumps.    The waves alter the angle position of the pontoons. The platform more or less stays still. The yokes on adjacent pontoons turn opposite ways, pulling the bodies and pistons of the pumps op opposite ways.    ADVANTAGE -   Highly efficient by making use of the change in the height of the pontoons relative to the platform. Bul.9/7.3.85
A solar radiant energy receiver used is pref. a parabolic trough reflector (1). A heat collecting tube (2) is secured to be rotatable about a shaft (3) supported by a frame (6) and extending horizontally in the east-west direction. The energy from the sun as it moves with time is used for rotating the shaft.    Pref. the energy is focussed by a number of compound parabolic concentrators (10a,10c) onto alloy memory coils (11a,11c) which deform so as to move the receiver via pulleys (14,18) and drive shafts. Alternatively solar cells may be used to drive the receiver.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses no electric power supply or electric control devices.
The wave motion converter consists of a chamber and an outer partition with an aperture which is open to the waves. The diameter of the chamber is between 0.15 L/Pi and L/Pi, where L is the wavelength of the waves entering through the partition, and the wave motion is converted by a float.    The wave energy which moves the float up and down is converted into usable energy by a generator e.g. in the form of a hydraulic motor with a reciprocating piston. The chamber and partition can be round or square in cross section, and they may be made to amplify the strength of the waves by at least two times.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved protection for float while amplifying wave strength.
The generator uses the principle of providing relative movement between a permanent magnet and a coil, to induce an electrical current in the coil. The coil is situated in a static tube anchored to the sea bed by means of a ballast tank, at the base of the tube. and guy wires extending from the tube. A plunger with permanent magnets, is mounted in the tube for vertical reciprocation of the plunger, the plunger projecting outwardly from the upper end of the tube and terminating in a hull-shaped float.    The float rides the water surface and provides vertical reciprocation of the plunger responsive to wave motion in order to move the magnets relative to the coil and generate current in the coil.    ADVANTAGE -   Is adaptable to various wave heights and is not subject to horizontal displacement.
The appts. includes a frame which is fixed relative to the varying level of the body of water, and includes a float operably associated with the frame for movement in response to the varying level of the water. A rotatable drum is attached to the float and has a drive line with a middle portion wrapped around the rotatable drum.    Upper and lower ends of the drive line are attached to upper and lower portions of the frame. Movement of the float upward or downward relative to the frame causes the rotatable drum to be rotated due to its engagement with the drive line. A power transfer appts. transmits the rotary motion of the drum to a generator.
Agent for removing oily dust adhered to ventilation fans, is composed of (a) 100 pts.wt. cellulose acetate phthalate resin; (b) 15-80 pts.wt. plasticiser (e.g. diethyl phthalate, ethyl phthalylethyl glycol and/or triacetin); and (c) appropriate amt. of solvent (e.g. acetone, MEK, etc.), filler, antioxidant, pigment, etc. Agent is usually coated on the surface of each portion of a ventilation fan by spraying, brushing, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Agent exhibits good film strength, adhesiveness to the body of ventilation face, and removability of oily dust. It can be easily and safely handled without causing any damage to humans, and can also be easily cleaned up.
The generator is connected to a load, such as a resistive heater or a rechargeable battery, via a rectifier and a transformer. The transformation ratio is controlled in dependence on the generator speed. The generator may be wave powered or partic wind powered. At modest wind speeds the generator is connected directly to the rectifier by means of a control circuit responsive to the generator frequency. When the frequency reaches that corresp. to the speed at which the generator current attains its rated value, the transformer is switched into circuit, further speed increases causing top charging on the transformer to increase its voltage step down ratio.    Top charging may be effected by relays or thyristors. The transformer may also be provided with voltage step up ratios in order to obtain a small battery charging current at low wind speeds. A shunt regulator may be provided to prevent overcharging.
Each panel consists of electrically connected photoelectric elements (2). The panels are located next to one another in a foldable pocket (1) open at one side. The panels are separated by a distance large enough for the pocket to fold over on itself to make a stack convenient for transportation.    The electrical connections (3,4) of each panel are connected via flexible metal fabric (7) worked into the pocket. The fabric strips run along the edges of the unfolded pocket. Contact rails and contact screws (7) mechanically join the panels to the conductors and the pocket and allow tapped voltages to be taken.    ADVANTAGE -   Several panels can be interconnected without cables and can be easily transported.
The method pressurising a working fluid at a low temperature in a relatively cool, deep layer of ocean water, and conducting the fluid through thermally conductive working fluid conduits disposed to pass through progressively warmer layers of ocean water so that the fluid is preheated by absorbing heat from the ocean water. The preheated fluid is heated to a hot gas in a thermally conductive working fluid heating compartment disposed in a shallower, warmer layer of ocean water by heat transference from the ocean water. The hot gas is passed through generators to generate electrical energy.    The hot gas from the generators is fed through thermally conductive exhaust conduits disposed so as to pass through progressively cooler layers of ocean water so that the gas is cooled by releasing heat to the ocean water. The gas is condensed in a thermally conductive working fluid cooling compartment disposed in a deep, cool layer of ocean water by heat transference to the ocean water.
During displacement of the light spot in one of the control channels during movement of the sun the balance of signals from photo-elements (7,8) connected to an operational amplifier, is disrupted and the amplifier produces an imbalance signal. This signal is amplified and passed to a threshold element, which produces a control signal, according to the magnitude and sign of the amplified signal.    The control signal is passed to the control mechanism of the object, i.e. a heliostat, which is rotated in the horizontal plane, until the light spot on elements (7,8) is again in the non-sensitive zone. During large discrepancy angles between the axis of the sensor and the direction of the light rays, light falls on some of detectors (9,11,13-16). The signals from these detectors are amplified and passed through a shaper to the control mechanism, which rotates the sensor until light falls on detectors (7,8).    USE -   Orientation of helio-installations. Bul.9/7.3.85 pp
The plant consists of a floating housing (1) contg. a turbine, generator and piston pump (3), with the piston rod (4) linked kinematically to plates (6) submerged in the water. The power generator is equipped with an additional pump (7), with its housing and piston rod (9) connected to two pivoted bars (10) linking the plates (6) to the first piston rod (4). Both surfaces of each plate are equipped with troughs of varying width which open outwards in opposite directions.    The vertical motion of the floating housing on the waves moves the plates and creates a substantial hydrodynamic resistance in both directions, which is converted into pump motion and electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency through increased hydrodynamic resistance. Bul.6/15.2.85
(JP92076230-B)      Sheet comprises a moisture-proof resin film of a vinylene-chloride-vinyl chloride copolymer film, laminate of this film or a polyolefin film etc..    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J60148175-A)
A central computer calculates a commanded position for the particular time of day for the location of the body. A microprocessor incorporating respective software and hardward calculates the position for the heliostat to be in terms of the number of signals from the Hall Effect Device, compares the number of signals from the Device once the motors are energised in, respectively, azimuth and elevation and runs to the commanded position.    The software and hardware start and stop the motors at a desired point, such as the zero position of a cycle of alternating current to minimise noise. Power failure is determined so that the system may be shut down to prevent damage upon re-application of power.    ADVANTAGE -   Body is kept correctly oriented throughout day without requiring usual sensors and feedback apparatus.
A housing is formed by a pair of spaced apart plates mounted on a support for pivotal rotation about a vertical axis at the forward end for orienting into the wind. The plates support a number of coaxially disposed sprockets arranged to support a pair of spaced apart drive chains in a quadrilateral configuration. Lift foils are connected and supported between the chains with the configuration supporting the chain for an initial lift mode at the forward end of the housing. A direct impact mode follows with the configuration extending from the front of the housing upward and backward to the rear of the housing.    A negative lift mode is provided having the foils extending from the top rear of the housing to the bottom with the vanes returning via a neutral mode to the front of the housing for repeating the lift cycle. An electrical generator is driven from one or more shafts of the assembly via the chains.    USE -   May be placed in river, irrigation canal, harbour and ocean floor where strong current prevails.
Concentrator includes additional prism whose faces contact the radiation outlet surfaces made of denser optical material than those of the inclined prisms.    The solar radiation incident on concentrator concave surface (5) is refracted by the denser medium of the prism (8), undergoing multiple reflection on its faces, reaching the faces (3) of the separation boundary of the prism (1) and the concentrator (4).    More optically dense medium of the prism (4) refracts the radiation, being reflected on the surfaces (3) (full material reflection) is concentrated on the surface (6) of the radiation outlet of the concentrator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In helio (solar) engineering for solar radiation concentration. Reduces surface of the concentrator outlet. Bul.7/23.2.85
Power plant consists of a vertical hollow support (1) which carries an outer reciprocating float (2) and a linear power generator which has its armature winding inside the support and inductor element (4) fixed to the float. It incorporates a guide which is made in the form of a curved panel (5) with side walls (6). The guide partially encloses the float and is equipped with a vertical movement mechanism (7), while the inductor element (4) is situated inside the float.    When the plant is in use the guide is positioned so that it faces the front of the waves, and is regulated according to the wave amplitude. As the waves pass, the float moves up and down the support, with the guide converting the horizontal component of the water particles motion into a vertical one and increasing the wave power. The current is generated by the inductor element (4) producing an EMF in the linear generator winding (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul.16/30.4.84
A large cylindrically-shaped balloon-like structure is provided having hemispherical ends with fins utilised in conjunction with jet airflow across them based upon Bernoulli's principle for manouvering and maintaining stability. The balloon is compartmentalised and contains a structural support system and pumps for evacuating the air.    Solar-energy is collected through a transparent portion and reflected from shaped surfaces that direct it onto energy converting panels. The electrical energy generated is utilised to operate an evacuation system, while the remainder of the electrical energy is beamed by microwaves to a receiving station on earth.    ADVANTAGE -   Tracks sun in azimuth and elevation and by positioning at about 30km above earth surface, where wind is minimal and clouds do not occur, is unaffected by weather conditions.
Appts. for applying an elongated conductor to solar cells to establish electrical connection between the cells conveys the cells past a location at which at least one conductor is fed between adjacent cells. The cells are conveyed to the location at a first rate of speed and spacing and conveyed away from the location at a reduced rate of speed and at a closer spacing. The conductor is soldered into position downstream of the location.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Relatively simple and inexpensive appts. for automatic soldering of conductors to solar cells to electrically connect solar cells in series.
Solar heat collector and reflector for placing across the window of a dwelling etc. comprises a series of hollow fins, one side of which are energy absorbent and the other side of which are reflective so that heat can be generated for the room or undesired heat reflected. A reservoir collects desired heat which is conveyed to the room by a solar cell-powered fan.    Orientation of the fins can be altered to provide desired heating or reflecting effects.    Specifically, the radiation-absorbing surface of the fins is a thin film of CuInSe2 which also acts as a photovoltaic layer for solar cell power generation.
The system comprises a vertical shaft (1) terminating in two horizontal cross-arms each fitted with a ball bearing (2) to accept the support (3) for the solar collector panel beneath which is mounted a roller (4) on bearings (5). The shaft (1) has a large diameter pinion wheel (7) mounted along its length below a disc (8) having projecting tabs acting as electric switches. The pinion is driven slowly to cause the collector to follow the sun and the switches reverse the rotation.    The shaft (1) rotates inside a hollow tube (9) placed at its top end and causes rotation of the solar panel in a horizontal plane. The hollow tube has a bent guide (11) projecting from it, and the roller (4) mounted below the panel runs on this guide. the shape of the guide is such that the angle of elevation of the panel is increased for the first half of the rotation period and decreased for the second half, following a parabolic trajectory.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced ground space through use of single column support without need of circular guide rail.
A continuous semiconductor body is provided with spaced first and second electrical contacts on respective opposed surfaces of the body, forming photovoltaic cells with the cells series-connected.    The connection comprises openings extending through the semiconductor body with an electrical contact of one cell extending into the openings to provide a connection with an opposed e electrical contact of the next adjacent cell.
The heat pipe has a body (1) with evaporation and condensation zones (3,4) and a turbine placed in the condensation zone. The evaporation range is increased since the heat pipe is additionally provided with emf generator. The turbine is made as a cup with double walls, whose inter-wall space is connected to the evaporation zone (3) by means of a vapour pipe (6) with packings (7) and to the condensation zone by means of tangential nozzles (8) situated on the cup outer wall (9).    The cup inner wall (10) has permanent magnets (11). The emf generator stator (12) is attached to body end wall in the cup groove, which acts as the generator rotor. Bypass valve (13) is placed in the rotor lower part and is pressed by spring (14) which rests on bearing (15). Condensate collector (17) is situated in the condensation zone (4). Collector (17) is connected to the evaporation zone by wick (18) situated in channel (19).    USE -   The heat pipe can be used for geothermal and solar energy water reservoirs heat conversion to electric energy. Bul.2/15.1.85.
(JP93018276-B)      Prodn. comprises forming 1st grooves into a conductive film to form 1st electrodes, forming a non-single crystal semiconductor layer on the 1st grooves and electrodes, and selectively removing the semiconductor layer on the 1st electrodes to from 2nd grooves.    Used for photoelectric converters. (J58232535-A)
The floating electricity generating structure, made up of sections connected by hinges (3) uses two hulls (1) for each section, supporting a turbine wheel (4) between them. Each has peripheral teeth immersed in the water, so that it is rotated by wave motion.    Each generator is connected by two chain drives (10) to two dynamos (7) mounted on decks (2) covering the twin hulls. The whole chain is secured by an anchor on one of the sections.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses natural sources to generate power without pollution.
A solar cell comprises, in order, (a) a transparent front face electrode (14) (b) a first layer of (16) p-doped hydrogenated amorphous Si; (c) a second intrinsic layer (18) of hydrogenated amorphous Si doped with 2-5 at.% N; (d) a third layer (20) of intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous Si; (e) a fourth layer (22) of n-doped hydrogenated amorphous Si; and (f) a contact (24) to the fourth layer.    The second Si layer is 2-1000, esp. 50A thick. The third layer is 4000-7000 A thick. The fourth Si layer is alloyed with N, with an Si:N at. ratio of 3:1-11:2.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has improved efficiency esp. in the short wavelength regions, e.g. quantum efficiency 86-92% at 380 nm, compared with 60-68% without the N-compensated second layer. The cell is easily reproducible.
The solar power plant has a base with a bearing stand zenith drive with outlet shaft and concentrator with radiation receiver kinematically connected to the drive outlet shaft through a balancing device. The operation reliability is increased since the balancing device is made as U-shaped bracket with slots in side walls. The bracket is attached on the driven shaft drive by two toothed sectors and flats. The bracket roof has a bolt which interacts with the stand during balancing.    The concentrator is made as two halves separated by radial gaps attached on toothed sectors. The drive outlet shaft has two gears which couple with toothed sectors, one of which is freely placed on the balancing device shaft.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar power plant tracking accuracy is increased and the energy costs are reduced. Bul.2/15.1.85
COMPRESSOR - Bellows chamber and drive member are located vertically. The drive member is a float with a horizontal rigid plate attached to the centre section of its side surface. As the water level rises float (1) moves up compressing bellows chamber (4) and allowing chamber (5) to expand the induct atmospheric air. The compressed air from chamber (4) is delivered to collector (10).    When the float moves down under gravity with falling water level surface tension on plate (2) aids movement and air is delivered to collector (10). Use of the plate and surface tension allows the float to be made light.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compressor is used in wave power installations. Design is simplified by using wave power to drive the compressor. Bul.2/15.1.85
The generator consists of a U-shaped tube (1) containing the generating set (5) in its horizontal section (4) and is equipped with a platform (2), linked to a drive (3) in its base (6) so that the vertical sections (8) of the U-tube can be aligned more precisely with the waves.    The optimal power is produced from the waves when the projected distance between the vertical sections of the U-tube at right angles to the moiton of the waves is equivalent to half the wavelength, i.e so that the crest of a wave is over one vertical tube section while the trough is over the other to produce the greatest pressure difference.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting sea wave power into electricity More effective use of wave energy. Bul.2/15.1.85
A thin film solar cell array comprises (a) multiple unit cell elements each having a first electrode, a thin semiconductor film and a transparent second electrode successively deposited on the front surface of a flexible insulating substrate, electrically connected in series by overlapping the second electrode of one element with the first electrode of an adjacent element; (b) a terminal electrode formed at one extreme end of the front surface connected to the second electrode of the element at the extreme end of the surface; and (c) at least two terminal electrodes on a surface opposite the front surface of the substrate, formed by metal layers deposited on the substrate and respectively connected to the terminal electrode of (b) and to the first electrode of the element at the other extreme end of the front surface.    ADVANTAGE -   The back surface electrodes can be connected to external leads or wires, or directly to like arrays without interfering with the path of incident light. The arrays can be interconnected in any desired series parallel arrangement end provided in desired patterns where a decorative arrangement is required. (First major country equivalent to J60123073-A)
(JP93018275-B)      Prod. comprises selectively removing a semiconductor on 1st electrodes to form 2nd grooves into the electrodes, thereby forming 2nd electrodes near the 1st electrodes, whereby the 1st and 2nd electrodes of photoelectric converison elements are connected in series.    USE -   For photoelectric converters. (J60123072-A)
Collector comprises a support having a trough (12) with an internal reflective surface (20) of two truncated parabolic sections rotated away from its vertical axis to form a wider acceptance angle, and a reflective circular face joining the section ends. The surface is moulded with the support. A vacuum sealed heat trap cylinder (30) of glass is nested in the trough along the focal line of the surface.    The cylinder loosely engages a part of the trough to permit thermal expansion of the cylinder, and there is at least one metal tube (70) mounted in the cylinder and carrying photovoltaic cells (61). The metal tube pref. contains an ethyleneglycol mixture as heat-transfer fluid, and the surface is a thin aluminium sheet secured to the support. The support is pref. of polymer concrete (56) supporting low-density glass fibre concrete and glass bead material (50) in which the troughs are formed.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased collection efficiency.
A solar collection panel is comprises of one or more solar gathering cells which gather and focus incident solar radiation through optical windows into a light gathering chamber. The chamber in turn employs several conical mirrors to redirect the radiation toward an optical entrance window, whereupon a light trap captures and removes and radiation from the chamber.    Light traveling through the trap escapes via exit windows formed at the end opposite the entrance window and is subsequently focused by a lens system into a light pipe comprising optical fibres, for distribution to a remote utilisation site.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for solar welder. Gathers radiation at optimum collection site and distributes to optimum use site. May be used for infrared.
The assembly has its own pivot shaft comprised of a main body with opposite ends which include two keyways extending axially towards one another. The shaft is supported for at least limited movement about its own axis while the latter is maintained in coextensive relationship with the axis about which the structural members themselves move.    Interlocking and aligning assemblies fixedly connected to the structural members include key members configured to key into the keyways forming part of the pivot shaft for interlocking the structural members with the shaft.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For any type of structural members intended to move together about given axis. Allows movement about coextensive axes while, maintaining structural members in predesigned alignment with one another.
A vertical expansion tank has an inlet coupled to the fluid exit from the located intermediate the top and bottom of the tank. A primary outlet is provided below the tank, and a secondary outlet above the primary, and a return conduit couples the primary to a pump. A radiator couples the secondary to an intermediate portion of the return conduit.    A fluid occupies the solar collector and return conduit, and has a volume so that in the absence of solar input the level in the tank is below the inlet. At approximately the maximum safe operating temperature, the liquid volume reaches the secondary outlet in the tank so that a portion passes through the radiator to dissipate head.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For generating electricity. Provides overheat protection without use of complex electronics.
Geothermal steam contg. hydrogen sulphide is used to generate electricity with subsequent purification of the residual steam by (a) condensing the residual steam with an aq. soln. contg. a ferric chelate in a condensing zone under a temp. in the range 1-99 deg.C whereby a mixture of non-condensable gases contg. hydrogen sulphide and an aq. soln. contg. dissolved H2S and its ions with the ferric chelate is obtd.; (b) converting the aq. sulphide soln. to an aq. soln. contg. free sulphur and ferrous chelate by contacting the aq. sulphide soln. with an aq. soln. of ferric chelate contg. a sufficient amt. of ferric chelate to oxidise the sulphide ions to sulphur under conditions which are sufficient to completely convert the sulphide ions; (c) converting the soln. contg. ferrous chelate soln. with air in a cooling zone at a temp. in the range 1-99 deg.C into an aq. soln. contg. ferric chelate; and (d) recycling the ferric chelate soln. back to the condensing zone.    USE -   The process can also be applied to other geothermal sources that depend on liquid-dominated resources as the source of energy. In these cases, the geothermal fluids would be treated directly thus eliminating the condensation step.
The appts. comprises a flash boiler (5) with a degasifier, a mixing condenser (6) with a degasifier, a turbomachine (13), a gas extraction pump (12) for circulating the water and gas extraction and regulating pumps (8,9). A vertical cylinder of height 10 metres, has no internal horizontal surfaces which would allow furring up.    Warm water and cold water are drawn up tubes (3,4 respectively) at low speed but at a high volume rate by the vapour extraction pump (12), and allows to flow through perforated walls (5,6) respectively producing and condensing water vapour. The flow of vapour thus produced drives the turbomachine (13).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For producing electricity or fresh water from sources of warm and cold water. Allows any water to be used since there are no horizontal surfaces to permit mineral or organic deposition.
One mode of the method, controls the load current, through a circuit (36) in 256 equal intervals, while voltage is measured from open circuit to at least halfway into the knee of the load curve. The other mode controls the load voltage through a circuit (34) in 256 equal intervals from the lowest voltage measurement possible (short circuit) to at least halfway into the knee of the load curve, under control of a microcomputer (12).    All measurements are packed by discarding each measurement that is within 0.5% of the value predicted from two previous measurements which is retained. The remaining data is further packed into a memory block of detachable storage medium (14) by recording the data points in sequence following a header containing data common to all points.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Portable and can be used in rugged terrain, using EEPROM as more reliable storage medium than magnetic media in such environments.
The receiver comprises a concentrator, tubular absorber along its focal axis and a drive to alter their position relative to each other. The concentrator is in the form of a twin-walled vacuum flask (1) of transparent material with a reflecting surface, mounted on a moving support (3) kinematically connected to the drive, which is in the form of a sylphon (4) with an absorbing surface and a rod (5). The kinematic connection is in the form of a lever transmission (6) between the moving support and the rod. There are adjustment apertures (7) in the rod and the lever.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits the absorption of solar energy to be regulated with greater precision. Bul.48/30.12.84
A structure is provided with vertical tubes (DR) with their lower ends immersed in the sea, each with its tap closed by a membrane (MEM) or containing a piston. The air wrapped inside is compressed as the water rises inside so that the membrane or piston acts as a pneumatic drive.    The membrane acts against a liquid or gas filled chamber with inlet and outlet valves connected to an internal circuit, or the membrane or pump can drive a rack and pinion mechanism to drive an electrical generator. This can be connected to storage batteries. Alternatively a pneumatic system includes a supply line with inlet and outlet valves connected to a pressure accumulator. /22
Compsn. of mullite glass-ceramic which is doped with 0.01-1.0% Cr2O3 is modified by addn. of 2-15% ZnO, and MgO as necessary such that ZnO+MgO is greater than 5%. Compsn. is defined by (wt.% oxide basis) 10-70 SiO2, 7-40 B2O3, 14-50 Al2O3 and at least one each of RO(=ZnO) and R2O, such that mole ratio Al2O3:RO+R2O is greater than 1.3. Transparent glass-ceramic is strongly fluorescent in red or near infrared portion of spectrum when activated by UV and/or visible light, and exhibits broad absorption peaks centered at 400 and 600 nm. ZnO addn. shifts peak at 600 nm towards blue end of spectrum. Pref. ZnO concn. is below 12%. Glass batch is melted and subsequently crystallised by heat treatment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Shift of absorption band at 600 nm to shorter wavelengths reduces self-absorption of luminescent light; absorption curve at lower wavelength is not significantly affected. Use include infrared lasers and solar collector equipment.
The unit consists of a housing (1) containing a generator (2) with a stator (not shown) and rotor (3) at the top and a float (5) and rod (4) at the bottom, with a spiral guide groove round the outside of the rod. The housing also contains a platform (10) with a cylindrical base (11), while the float rod (4) is made hollow and has an additional spiral guide groove (9) round its inner surface (8).    The float rod is located concentrically with the platform base, and the two guide grooves (7,9) run in opposite directions, with the base and the housing equipped with projecting pegs which interact with the guide grooves. The rise and fall of the float with the waves rotates the rod and causes the housing to rotate in the opposite direction, driving the generator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency and economy. Bul.32/30.8.81
The cell has a semiconductor substate (10) with pattern of grooves (23) in its surface (22). The sloping faces (29) of the grooves are covered with a semiconductor layer of the opposite conductivity type to that of the substrate. A laser forms the grooves, and the layer forms a rectifier junction with the substrate. The laser device is forms a pattern of grooves or holes, and a chemical etching stage is used before the junction is formed.    A contact is made between the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate. Grooves can be formed on the underside, reducing the thickness of the cell structure, these grooves being between the surface grooves.    ADVANTAGE -   Absorption is high. /10
The hydraulically operated system rotates solar panels so that they always face the sun. Rotation through 180 deg. is achieved by means of a guide pin (8) on the mast (3) that slides in a helical groove (6) as the panel bearing mast slowly descends under its own weight. The lower end (9) of the mast rests on top of a bellow shaped spring loaded cylinder (12,13) that is filled with water. This is allowed to escape through an opening (14) into an outer cylinder (15).    At the end of the day, themast is reset manually, using a handle (5). This clears the opening (10) at the top of the inner cylinder which now expands and fills with water from the outer cylinder. If the mast has not been reset, it will descend further and rotate through 90 deg due to the extended groove (6') and the panels will now face south.    ADVANTAGE -   No electrical power required to follow sun.
The device for the storage of kinetic energy of rotation in the form of potential energy of a compressed fluid and for converting the potential energy of the compressed fluid into kinetic energy of rotation. The pressure energy storage device includes a storage reservoir, a compressor driven by a rotating source to deliver pressurised fluid to the storage reservoir, and a primary fluid motor selectively operable to generate rotary motion by drawing off a portion of the pressurised fluid.    The pressure energy storage device may be provided with an electric motor to drive the compressor, a generator driven by the primary fluid motor, a secondary fluid motor to drive the compressor by the exhaust fluid from the primary fluid motor, and an auxiliary pressurised fluid outlet, permitting the compressor to be driven by a rotating power source or an electrical power source and permitting the potential energy of the pressurised fluid to be used directly or to be converted to rotary motion or electrical current, as needed.    ADVANTAGE -   Provided with an electric motor so as to permit the compressor to be alternatively driven by a source of kinetic energy of rotation or an electrical source.
(JP92076227-B)      Prodn. comprises forming 1st grooves into a conductive film to form 1st electrodes, and forming 2nd grooves crossing the 1st grooves into the ends of the 1st electrodes with a laser beam.    Used for solar cells. (J60100482-A)
Floating wave breaker has main and auxiliary floats and a box located between them with rear wall extended downwards. It includes a ring-shaped hollow rod (1) located between two floats (2). The box rear wall (3) is longer than the front (4), and is anchored and the is longer than the front (4), and is anchored and the connecting cable (5) pretensioned to greater degree than the front wall anchor cable (6).    The wave hits the box and turns it anticlockwise. It enters through the bottom and overflows through the top. The box rotation and the vibrations of the water column inside it further dissipate wave kinetic energy. This reduces the loads acting on the anchors and their cables and effectively breaks the waves.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For breaking waves. Reduces load on anchor connections and effectively absorbs waves kinetic energy. Bul.47/23.12.84.
The lens focusses the sun rays onto a tube. Bearing supports allow the angle of incidence to be varied via a support frame to allow setting to suit summer and winter conditions. A linkage system connects to the frame and is connected to a pointer directed at a scale indicating the annular calendar position.    A thermal element allows the position to be adjusted to the north in the event that a max. threshold temp. is exceeded. Typically the change in angle between winter and summer is between 16 and 63 degrees. A further adjustment for variations in daytime conditions is provided by expansion of the tube.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows adjustment for changes in the ambient conditions.
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. The collecting region is a self-defined portion of the collecting element upon which the solar radiation is focussed at any given time. This is achieved by utilising a collecting element which locally converts incident solar energy to another form of energy in a non-linear manner as a function of incident solar intensity.    The collecting element may be 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.
Chambers (1) are of cylindrical shape, airtight and filled with liquid (5), rigidly interconnected and have diaphragms (6) in the upper sections connected to the pump working units (3). The chambers additionally interconnect via non-stretch flexible elements (7) and are located at a pitch less than the sum of their radii.    ADVANTAGE -   Design is simplified and operating reliability improved. Bul.46/15.12.84.
(JP93018277-B)      Prod. comprises forming an oxide conductive film on a nonsingle crystal semiconductor, forming a multilayer film having a Cr-contained layer on the semiconductor and irradiating a laser beam to remove selected parts of the multilayer film.    Used for photoelectric converters. (J59060165-A)
(JP93058269-B)      The process comprises forming a multilayer film on a non-single crystal semiconductor, and irradiating a laser beam on the multilayer film to form grooves. The film comprises a Ni or Cr film and conductive oxide film.    USE -   For electronic circuits. (J60085574-A)
The roof has solar collectors or similar. A glass shell of safety glass is fitted on the roof beams using glazing strips. The absorbers or collectors are fitted in a certain plane below the glass shell.    A heat insulation layer and decorative shell are fitted on the room side. The glass shell may be made of unilaminar safety glass which is prestressed and heat-resistant if air collectors are used.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be used with various kinds of collectors, easily assembled and readily accessible from inside.
Semiconductors spheres are arranged within a plastic sheet and laminated between two metal foil layers to make electrical contacts. A portion of each sphere is exposed on one side to allow light entry. The spheres have a P-type region and an N-type region, the N-type region contacting the metallic foil.    The back ohmic contact has a spreading resistance which protects large array configurations from short circuits. Series interconnections of cells, for higher voltage, can be made in the same processing sequence, and are coplanar with the array. All manufacturing steps are completed at temperatures less than 400 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Capable of bending and flexing without damage, and can be manufactured as thin sheet. High short circuit fault tolerance.
The appts. comprises at least one concentrator with several solar energy reflective slats each of rectangular cross-section having a planar solar energy reflective surface. The slats have longitudinal axes and are generally arranged with their axes extending about a portion of a circle to direct solar energy impinging on the slats into a concentrated elongated target. The slats being grouped in several series, those within each series being at the same angle to respective tangents of the circules as the other slats in the series.    A collector includes at least one elongated conduit for a fluid to pass through and has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the axes of the slats. The collector is within the circumference of the circle in spaced relationship to the concentrator forwardly of the concentrator.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides solar energy of increased concentration without increasing overall size of concentrator.
The transmission is based on a Parent Cert and now has an auxiliary disc (11) fixed on the driven shaft and a locking frame (9) round it with a clearance filled with magnetorheological fluid and with electromagnets (10) wired in counter phase to the main electromagnets (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in the drive of the automatic control system of the heliostats of a solar power station. Enables variation in the position of the driven shaft during the idling stroke to be eliminated so that there can be no random turn of the driven shaft due to an active external moment. The transmission is therefore more reliable. Bul.45/7.12.84
The glass ceramic is made by melting at no higher than 1650 deg.C a glass batch contg. in %wt. 40-60 SiO2, 12-30 B2O3, 17.5-27.5 Al2O3, 3-13 Na2O and/or K2O with a mole ratio Al2O3:R2O is more than 1.75. The melt is cooled to below the transformation range and simultaneously shaped. The shaped glass is then heated at 700-950 deg.C to crystallise in situ at a viscosity of 10 power 9 to 10 power 12 poises and finally cooled.    Alternatively the glass batch compsn. contains in %wt. 15-45 SiO2, 20-30 B2O3, 20-40 Al2O3, 5-30 RO where RO is 0-15 MgO, 0-20 CaO, 0-30 SrO, 0-30 BaO. The glass may also contain up to 1% transition metal oxides, up to 5% rare earth metal oxides, 0.01-1% Cr2O3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Tunable lasers and solar collectors with Si photovoltaic cells. Broad absorption over the visible region of radiation spectrum, strong fluorescence in red and near infra red, little overlap between absorption and fluorescent wavelengths.
The collector is constructed of a frame upon which are mounted separate louvred panels. With the panels being mounted on the frame, the collector assumes a basic elliptical shape in transverse cross-section forming an interior closed area. The upper and lower surfaces of this area are formed of two separate identical panels which are positioned in edge-abutting reversed relationship.    Construction of the lower surface panels is different than the construction of the upper surface panels with the louvres pitched at different angles. Within the enclosed area there is to be located an energy converting device assembly.    USE -   E.g. for photovoltaic cell assembly or heat pipe assembly.
The control receiving the signals generated by the solar tracker transducer and generates control signals for the relative elevational rotational and relative azimuthal rotational position of each heliostat, so that sun rays reflected by the heliostat are received by the solar receiver. The transducer comprises four solar sensors on the perimeter of the image of a sun ray received by the tracker, such that two of the sensors are displaced along a horizontal axis to generate a signal related to azimuth orientation of the heliostat being sequenced and the other two sensors are displaced along vertical axis to generate a signal related to elevational orientation of the heliostat being sequenced.    The control means includes a tracking generator board connected to the tracking, and a power board connected to the tracking generator board, to the elevational and to the azimuthal rotational orientation controls of each heliostat. A commutator board is connected to the tracking generator board and to the power board. The tracking generator board when activated by a system clock generates tracking drive activation signals from the transducer generator signals, the tracking drive activation signal being applied to the power board which generates the azimuthal and elevational control signal.
The heliostat comprises a reflector, mounted in a support, so that it can be tilted and rotated independently by a system of cables and the correct orientation maintained.    The drive mechanism comprises two pulleys (12,13) with electromagnetic clutches, on the screwed spindle (7). The pulleys are driven by the endless belts (26,27), so that the screwed spindles move axially in either direction, depending on which clutch is engaged, as the pulleys rotate. The ends of the spindle (6) are connected to an endless cable (21), which passes over the pulley (20) and rotates the eeflector in an azimuthal direction. Similarly, the cable (22), which is connected to the end of the spindle (7) and passes round the pulley (37) on the spindle (3), rotates the reflector in a zenithal direction.    ADVANTAGE -   Has simpler design. Bul.44/30.11.84
The temperature at the neutral layer of the earth's crust (1 metre to 25 metres depth) is relatively low and constant at +9 to +11 degrees centigrade and is used to condense a refrigerant (R114), which is vapourised by heated water. A pump (P) pumps water at 67 degrees centigrade from a depth of 2000 metres under the earth's surface through a pipe of dia. (D1) and delivers it at 65 degrees centigrade to a shaft of dia. (D2). A vapouriser (V) extracts heat to vapourise the refrigerant (R114), and a heat exchanger (W) preheats the liquid refrigerant (R114) from 18 degrees centigrade to 45 degrees before it enters the vapouriser.    The refrigerant in its gaseous state drives the expansion turbine (T) to generate electricity. The condensation of the refrigerant takes place in the earth condenser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electricity generation of 100 to 150 MW,|depending|on|shaft|construction.|Requires|no|cooling|water and avoids environmental polution due to use of fossil fuel.
A reservoir (2), a downpipe (6) and an up-pipe (8) all contain the main working fluid (4) which is an electrically conductive liquid metal such as mercury. The reservoir is only about half filled with the fluid. A low boiling-point fluid is introduced into the up-pipe (8) through a nozzle (14) and is vapourised by the mercury which has been heated by an electrical heater (18). The ascending bubbles create a bubble lift giving rise to mercury circulation and this conductive flow generates electric current when flowing through the magnetic field (12) of a magnetohydrodynamic generator (10).    In the reservoir, the thermodynamic fluid separates and returns through a duct (20) to a regenerator (24) where heat is extracted. The fluid is then fed to a condenser (22) and back to the nozzle (14) via a pump (26).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Recovers thermal energy from waste heat, solar, geothermal or other sources and converts it into useful electrical energy.
Device having a photovoltaic thin film of selected thickness is mfd. by (a) forming spaced transparent front electrodes (32) on a transparent substrate, each having at least one contact portion (30) thicker than the selected thickness of the thin film; (b) forming a continuous photovoltaic thin film (20) over the front electrodes and substrate regions between them; and (c) forming spaced back electrodes (22) on the continuous film, each overlying one front electrode to define a photovoltaic region between them, and overlapping the contact portion of an adjacent front electrode to establish an electrical connection with it through the continuous thin film.    The device comprises an array of photovoltaic regions in a continuous thin film, connected in series by the electrical connection between pre-formed front electrode contact regions and back electrodes of adjacent cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The photovoltaic layer is unpatterned, avoiding surface contamination risk, simplifying mfr., and increasing the active area of the device, pref. a solar cell array.
The cell is mfd. by (a) forming a semiconductor substrate having three parallel doped layers, with first and third layers terminating at opposed major surfaces and junctions parallel to the surfaces; where the first layer (32) is second conductivity type, the second layer (31) is first type, forming a pn junction (38) with the first layer, and the third layer (33) is first type of higher impurity concn. that the second to provide a built in electrostatic drift field enhancing minority carrier movement to the pn junction; (b) forming ohmic contacts on major surfaces; (c) sepg. the substrate into segments along sepn. planes, providing working surfaces extending between first and second surfaces, each contg. multiple edges of the doped semiconductor layers; (d) passivating the edge surfaces (36) of doped semiconductors, to provide working surfaces; and (e) incorporating an accumulation layer at the working surface(s) receiving incident radiation, contg. first type material to provide a drift field minimising minority carrier recombination at the operating surface.    An array of the cells is mfd. by aligning identical substrates in a stack in identical orientation, and mechanically bonding before sepn.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is inexpensively mfd., exhibits high efficiency and thermal stability at solar concns. over 250 AMO suns, with improved spectral response at short wavelengths and no absorption of wavelengths above 1.1 micron to which the cell is insensitive.
Drilling instrument for use in the passage of a conduit through which mud is forced to flow. The instrument comprises at least one passage for containing a fluid separate from the mud in the conduit passage. Means, which is responsive to differences in pressure in the flowing mud, moves the separate fluid in the at least one passage. An electrical generator is provided. Means is responsive to the movement of the separate fluid in the at least one passage to provide a mechanical movement to the electrical generator. The electrical generator is responsive to the movement for generating electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   The means for moving the electrical generator can be maintained separate from debris laden mud. Also there is no need to provide seals or other means for isolating the debris laden mud from the electrical generator.
The unit includes a tower which is located on an ocean beach, and which includes a generally horizontal boom. The boom includes two forward sections disposed at right angles to one another. Two blades are mounted on the respective ends of the forward sections, and the forward sections are controlled so that the blades can be alternately dropped into the water to be driven toward the shore by the incoming surf and waves.    As one blade is driven to the shore, it turns the boom in one direction about the vertical axis, causing the other blade to be moved out over the water. Then, the first blade can be lifted out of the water, and the second blade dropped into the water, so that the incoming surf will drive the second blade towards the shore turning the boom in the opposite direction about the vertical axis. The cycle is then repeated, and the resulting action is for the boom to turn reciprocally about the vertical axis. The boom is coupled to a pump, and its reciprocal action causes the pump to perform a desired pumping action.    USE -   For driving an electric generator and is powered by ocean surf and waves.
The cell comprises an array of small area photovoltaic segments (10a-f) formed in rows and columns, with segments in each row connected in series and the series-connected rows electrically connected in parallel.    The large area cell is mfd. by (a) forming on a common insulating substrate (11) electrically isolated rows and columns of first, small area electrodes (14), each having a surface divided into a major part (14b) and a minor part (14a); (b) forming bridges of semiconductor material (12) generating electrical current in response to illumination, so each bridge overlies the major parts of two adjacent first electrodes in a column and extends onto the substrate exposed between adjacent electrodes in a row; (c) forming discrete second small area electrodes (22,24) electrically isolated from each other, each overlying the major portion of a first electrode, and electrically contacting (i) a semiconductor bridge portion on the substrate between row electrodes and (ii) a minor portion of the adjacent first electrode, connecting segments in each row in series; and (d) electrically connecting the series connected rows in parallel.
Solar light goes first through an upper layer containing a high band gap energy junction which absorbs theshort-wavelength components of light. The remaining long-wavelength components are absorbed in a second active layer containing a low band gap energy junction. The cell may comprise p-n-n-p type layers.    Each low band-gap low-voltage junction is made to have half the voltage of the high band-gap, high-voltage junctions. The junctions are connected such that the high-voltage junctions are in parallel and the series connection of low-voltage junctions is also parallel with them. The junction voltages are invariant so the parallel connection works for any light spectrum.
The receiver has a panel of radiation receiving pipes (1) connected to supply and removal pipelines. Bundles of way pipes (2) are placed on the panels outer side. The pipes (2) are connected to each other at wave apexes forming cell cavities (4). The pipes (2) wavy sections have a curvature radius determined from H/R = 1.6-2 where H is the cavities depth in m and R is pipes 2 curvature radius in m.. The radiation beam reflected by a large number of heliostats is absorbed by pipes (1,2). The radiation then undergoes multiple reflection in cavities (4). The pipes (1,2) absorb the direct and deflected radiation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar power receiver can be used in solar electric power stations. Increases the solar energy transformation efficiency. Bul.40/30.10.84
On the water surface a container is arranged, the underside of which is open to receive the effect of pressure from the water waves. This causes are in the container to be pressed out through channels and through check valves. The air then passes into a container where it builds up to excess pressure, which is then pressed out through a valve and a channel to a turbine and generator for prodn. of electrical current.    The air container (4) is activated from the outside by a rocker arm driven by pressure from the water waves, to that air pressure from the container to the turbine is maintained constant.    USE -   For houses located at the coast. (Provisional Basic advised week 85/06)
The appts. consists of one or more cones of transparent material. The lip of each cone is cut off with a flat surface so that a Frustrum of a cone is formed, and the base may also be flat. The cross-section of each cone may be circular, square, octagonal or triangular.    Each cone has a small angle of taper, lying within a range of from 5 to 20 degrees and the walls of the cone have a light reflecting inner coating. There may be optical coatings or lenses at the large and small ends of the cones.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sunlight concentrator for solar power installations. Reduces losses by reflection from air-glass and glass-air surfaces of lenses.
The appts. operates by transformation of gravitational energy and uses a pendulum, connected to bodies at its top and bottom ends. The pendulum is connected to releasable wheels. A toothed wheel has a number of pawls, which may be used to extract energy from the system.    The wheels associated with the bodies at the ends of the pendulum run on horizontal rails and the wheel bearings incorporate rollers moving in tracks or grooves in the bodies. The tracks are inclined to the horizontal so that movement along them may alter the loading of the wheels on the rails.    USE -   For driving e.g. generator.
The gas source is connected via the power generator to a mouthpiece. The generator uses a part of the gas flow rate as a pneumatic energy input. The turbine includes a rotor for operating at high speeds in response to the input.    A regulator limits the electrical output. A magnetic saturation circuit stabilises the output in response to a periodic input of the gas to the mouthpiece. The pneumatic energy input is also stabilised.    ADVANTAGE -   Turbine operates on air bearings so as to reduce friction loss and avoid oil in breathing system.
The appts. includes a heating tank operatable positioned with respect to a source of heat so that fluid within the tank is heated. The fluid in the tank is selected so that its boiling point is below the temperature of the heating tank. In this way the fluid is pressurised in the tank. The pressurised fluid flows to a turbine having a hollow central shaft with hollow vanes extending radially.    The pressurised fluid flowing from the ends of the vanes cause the turbine to rotate. A housing about the turbine collects the fluid expelled from the vanes. The fluid then flows through a conditioner into a storage tank where it is then introduced back into the heating tank to be recirculated. Electronic circuitry is provided to monitor and control operation of the engine.    ADVANTAGE -   Can operate satisfactorily on sources of relatively low heat, such as waste heat given off by steam generating plants.
Float has a central hole of diameter greater than that of the pump piston and has a cover for the latter to which the rod is attached. The pump intake valves are mounted on the piston and the delivery valves - inside the delivery pipe above-water section.    On movement of float (1) and rod (2) with piston (7) upwards water passes through intake valves to delivery pipe (5). On return travel down water is forced through the delivery valves in the above-water section (9) of delivery pipe (5). For servicing and inspection piston (7) is extracted with rod (2) and cover (8) giving access to intake valves, float (1) remaining afloat. Access to the delivery valves is through cover (11).    ADVANTAGE -   Provides simpler servicing. Bul.38/15.10.84.
When waves approach the pontoon nearest the wave (3) rises and platform (1) is angled resulting in wheels (6) and cover (7) describing an arc and rotating bevel gear (8) and shaft (4) to drive generator (2). As the wave passes the platform angles in the opposite direction and wheels (6) reverse. The rate of wheels' (6) rotation is proportional to rods (5) length and can considerable exceed pontoon (3) vertical lift rate.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides increased turbine speed. Bul.38/ 15.10.84.
The generator consists of a float (1) connected by rods (2) to a hollow cylinder (3) which has end covers (4) with apertures (5) for the water to pass through, covered by one-way valves (6), ports (7) through the side wall of the cylinder, and a shaft (8) which passes through the cylinder and float. The ends of the cylinder are equipped with guides (9) which have conical inner surfaces tapering in the direction of the cylinder. The cylinder and float are both attached to the shaft, with the cylinder fixed to it and the float able to rotate in relation to it.    As the float rises and falls with the waves, the water passes through the cylinder, first in one direction and then the other. The one-way valves inside the cylinder move with the float, allowing the water to pass into the cylinder from each direction, but blocking its way out, so that the water is forced out through the side ports (7), and these are set tangentially to rotate the cylinder as the water exits.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency through reduced friction and by making use of cylinder's inertia. Bul.38/15.10.84.
Each transistor base of the second pair (3,4) is taken to the corresp. collector of the first pair (1,2), the converter output terminals being formed by the second transistor pair (3,4) emitters.    The diodes (7,8) are used to decouple the output reversible circuits. They eliminate the additional shunting circuits at the converter input and are used to provide active reverse bias for the first transistor pair (1,2). Diodes (9,10) provide reverse bias voltage for the second transistor pair (3,4). The current flowing through the base resistors (11,12) is 5-10% of the motor rated current. The maximum power at the converter output is Pmax less or equal 4PK, where PK is the maximum power dissipated at the transistor collector.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   HF tracking systems of solar power plant. Increases reliability. Bul.37/7.10.84
The plant is equipped with an additional steam turbine circuit with an organic fuel steam generator (17) connected to the line carrying liq. phase discharge from the last evaporator stage (10). Also connected into the latter line is an additional heat exchanger (18) which is located between the last stage of the evaporator and steam generator. A steam super-heater (19) may be connected into the steam line between the first evaporator stage and main circuit steam turbine.    The superheater (19) is designed to increase the steam parameters. Here, fuel in the form of hot gases divided in a de-gasser (2), is burnt to provide the superheating. The additional heat exchanger (18) utilises the heat from the working medium liq. phase after the last evaporator stage, and part of the medium cooled in the heat exchanger is fed to the steam generator (17) in the additional turbine circuit. The steam produces in the generator is superheated and fed into the turbine which drives an electric generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Operational effectiveness and versatility are increased. Bul.30/15.8.84
A solar heat converter of large area uses semiconductor photoelements for the direct photovoltaic conversion of solar radiation energy into electrical energy. The photoelements are embedded between two hot melt foils, preferably made of ethyl vinylacetate or acrylic resin. A transparent hardened silicate glass pane covers them,. Two foils preferably made of PTFE, separated by a metal foil, preferably aluminium, are held together with the above by a frame.    ADVANTAGE -   Such a converter is easy to mount and requires no sealing against water ingress.
Station has several rows (1-8) of oriented heliostats (9) positioned on a slope of the hill from West to East and oriented towards the South, reflecting solar beams on to receivers (10). Concentrating prisms (11,12) positioned between heliostats and receivers are set at an angle of 5-20 deg. relative each other and have parametric angle of 10-30 deg. relative to perpendicular line of absorbing plane of concentrating prism. Angle between perpendicular and heliostats on the end rows is equal to the parametric angle. Positioning prisms at parametric angle and at an angle of 5-20 deg. relative each other permits increase of solar beam concentration on the surface of the receiver.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases efficiency. Bul.11/23.2.79
Water is injected through a process which reduces the pressure at the aquifer to the pressure required for injecting the correct water flow rate. In recovering the thermal energy, or withdrawal, the system provides the proper pressurisation at aquifer level to the required pressure. The pressure is reduced by a uniquely controlled throttling valve or a uniquely controlled turbine-generator-valve combination.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For thermal energy storage applications where the transfer water pressure is higher than the normal aquifer pressure at the point of withdrawal or injection. Applications include systems where water temperatures are in excess of the normal boiling point and the water must be pressurised, to prevent boiling and/or and where an aquifer has a water head well below ground level creating excess pressure from the column of water from the surface to the acquifer.
The support includes a frame (16a) with a flat base (26) having a planar surface for receipt of a solar panel (18) and at least two spaced mounting members (72) for attachment to the roof surface. Each mounting member projects downwardly from the planar surface to cause the latter to be spaced upwardly from the roof surface. A supporting member (48) projects downwardly from the planar surface for engagement with the roof surface and is disposed intermediate the mounting members for providing support for the interior of the panel.    The frame constitutes module for mounting a solar panels which are removably sealed to this frame at their under surface. The frame may include upstanding walls (32) to define raceway channels for concealed passage of electrical wires    ADVANTAGE -   Channels and walls of adjacent frames interlock for edge of installation, weather-proofing and high density panel mounting.
The structure comprises a dome-shaped inner support. An outer dome-shaped segment is spaced from and rotatable about the vertical axis located at the inner dome support. Flat faceted bay and course planes on the outer surface of the outer dome house photovoltaic arrays.    A hemidome configuration has a main central flat, faceted and stepped portion starting at the base and extending over the apex of the hemidome. Stepped flat bays are symmetrically located on both sides of the central portion towards the edges of a diameter located at the base of the hemidome.
A large number of optical systems are installed on the recess portions (21) and a large number of heat conductive protective bars (24) are each set up on an upper vortex of a side wall (22) forming a recess portion. A protective cover (30) covers a light-receiving surface side of the support base plate and has the function of a filter capable of letting visible rays pass through. A pointed end portion of each protective bar is brought into heat-conductive contact with the protective cover.    Each optical system pref. includes a light collecting lens (11) of hexagonal shape, a heat-conductive head-cut hexagonal pyramid (12) elongated into the recessed portion and covered with the lens, and an optical fibre (13) with a receiving edge positioned at the focal point of the lens. An upper internal circumferential surface of the side wall forming the recess portion is inclined so as to slidably engage the external surface of the pyramid.    ADVANTAGE -   Effectively absorbs heat expansion of lens and supporting member to prevent them being destroyed by extreme heat.
The gas turbine (4) is driven by working fluid in a closed circuit (9) contg. an evaporator (1), compressor (10), condenser (11), pump (13) and heat exchanger (14). The evaporator (1) is heated by a coil (22) in a second closed circuit (17) constituting a heat pump which draws energy from the condenser (11) into another coil (24) and through another heat exchanger (18) and compressor (21).    The flow of vapour to the turbine (4) is regulated by a valve (6) to adjust the power conveyed by a mechanical transmission (8) to an alternator (8).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In gas-turbine/alternator power stations, useful energy is extracted from tepid water, seawater or ambient air.
The piezoelectric member has an area of at least one metre square. Pref. several members (14) in the form of a laminate of sheets are mounted on a support (12) for maintaining the structure in a preselected position within and below the surface of the water. The members are supported to allow flexure in response to movement of the water, to enter into mechanical resonance in response to waves to increase the mechanical coupling efficiency. Each member has an electrode on opposite surfaces. A device responsive to alternating voltages at a frequency of the wires is pref. provided for collecting the electrical power from the members. The device may include an AC to DC converter.
The concentrator comprises a flat thin plate having an e.m. wave sticking surface and a surface opposed to the striking surface, the surfaces intersecting terminal edge surfaces at the ends of the plate. The plate is formed of a succession, between the terminal edge surfaces, of identical e.m. wave coupling modules abutting one another,. Each module is constituted of a pair of prisms meeting on a common surface and made of transparent materials of refraction indexes n1 and n2; The bases of the prisms of index n1 are located in the e.m. wave striking surface and the bases of the prisms of index n2 are located in the opposed surface.    The successive modules abut one another with a prisms of index n1 immediately following a prism of index n2; n2 is equal to or greater than 1 and n1 is greater than n2;.The physical characteristics of the prisms are selected to cause continuous bending of the light beams, striking an incident face of the concentrator, towards a terminal edge surface of the concentrator plate.
The method is carried out by creating the autocollimation mark image simultaneously from several adjusting bevels and autocollimator displacement. A theodolite is used on an autocollimator. The theodolite is directed towards four bevels joint. The heliostat is periodically displaced. The heliostat and the theodolite are displaced in two mutually perpendicular axis.    The theodolite (4) is placed on portable tripod (5) opposite heliostat 1. The theodolite oculator is directed towards four bevels (3) joint and the autocollimation image mark is looked for. One of the bevels is considered stationary, and the other bevels are adjusted respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For heliostat facets adjustment by autocollimation. Simplification and better accuracy are claimed. Bul.35/23.9.84.
05|power|is|generated|using|generator|having|one|or|more thermoelectric elements (6) in body (2) adapted to be secured in thermally conductive fashion to a structure constituting a geothermal energy source.    Structure may for instance be a pipe carrying, e.g., crude oil from an oil well at temp. different from ambient. Power source may be associated with telemetry or other power-demanding equipment to provide for the operation. Secondary storage cells may be associated with the generator to store electrical energy produced in excess of instantaneous requirements and to supply peak demands.
Resin is prepd. by dissolving a vinyl- or isopropenyl-substd. UV absorber and/or a vinyl- or isopropenyl-substd. antioxidant in a soln. of an unsatd. polyester in styrene and interpolymerising the polyester, styrene and UV absorber and/or antioxidant.    The polyester is pref. formed from propylene glycol, maleic acid and phthalic acid. The UV absorber is an alkenyl substd. hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole of formula (I) (R = H or 1-6C alkyl). The antioxidant is a 2,6-bis(t.-alkyl)-4-alkenyl-phenol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyester is stable to UV radiation and thermal and/or photooxidation encountered in outdoor use and is used e.g. as an exterior coating for buildings or an encapsulant for panels of photovoltaic cells, e.g. flat plate solar arrays.
An Si solar cell has the ratio of pn junction area (A(O)): total outer surface area exposed to solar radiation (A(t)) reduced below the conventional value of nearly 1, to increase open circuit voltage (V(OC)) and increase efficiency. The device is mfd. by (a) forming an array of discrete, spaced pn junction areas in an Si surface; and (b) coupling the junction areas using a metal grid.    ADVANTAGE -   The device has increased open circuit voltage and reduced satn. current density, so increased efficiency. (V(OC)) is reduced by 60 mV for a decrease in (A(O)/A(t)) to by 10%, and by more than 100 mV for (A(O)/A(t)) of 1%.
Dust collection duct is mounted on a converter (1) to compose a heat receiving section (3). A heat medium (e.g. alkyl diphenyl gp.) is supplied to the heat receiving section through a pipe. The heat medium passes through a heat exchanger having a semi-conductor thermoelectric element (5). The thermoelectric element directly converts heat energy into electrical energy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Element effectively and directly collects electrical energy from heat energy generated from the sensible head of exhaust gas produced in the converter. The heating medium is passed through the heat exchanger and is then circulated to the dust collection duct.
The heater comprises a box enclosing an optic layer which concentrates solar radiation onto a filter layer. Heat is collected by a network of tubes carrying a working fluid and placed below the filter. The assembly is mounted on a mechanism which is tilted by electric motors supplied by batteries which are charged by photovoltaic collectors.    Facilities are provided to connect to an external electric supply and the battery supply also serves an electronic control circuit which uses signals from opto-electric cells to maintain correct orientation. The lenses of the opto-electric cells are automatically washed at the extremes of travel of the collector.    ADVANTAGE -   Includes self contained drive and control supplies.
A device (30), mounted on the base of the collector, meters acceleration in three dimensions. The signal output by the device is used to control one or more of three motors (22,26,28) arranged, with a respective shaft (21,24,27), to effect motion of a table (25) in three dimensions    As a consequence, the solar ray collector mounted on the table, can be maintained in a predetermined orientation and attitude relative to the direction of incidence of the rays of the sun, regardless of the motion of the ship.    USE -   Instead of solar collector, stabiliser can be applied to maintaining given orientation and attitude of optical communications receiver and trasnmitter, or of photographic camera in motor vehicle.
The system has two separate optical systems (2,3) respectively used for tracking the target and for supplying the steering guidance signals to the missile. Both optical systems (2,3) are associated with a common scanning and imaging system (4,5,6), for line by line scanning of the common field of view.    The scanning and imaging system (4,5,6) has a periodic beam switching device (11) for alternate coupling with the optical systems (2,3). Pref. one of the optical systems (2,3) uses a thermal imager (2), while the other uses a laser transmitter (3) for sending the steering guidance signals to the missile.    USES -   For steering missile onto target during daylight or at night.
The foundation has a light-receiving surface which follows the movement of the sun and is in the shape of several tiered-dolls stands. An approximately equilateral triangular portion, having an apex at its forward position, is formed on the stands. The ray collectors is entrained on each of the triangular portions, and the entire combination rotates to follow the sun.    The height differences between the respective stands is at least approximately equal to the diameter oflight-receiving surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides foundation for entraining large number of collecting devices in small space.
The thermoelectric device has series coupled thermoelectric elements made of metal, semi-metal or semiconductor with the ends of their limbs welded together to form a meandering shape. The ends are joined by explosion welding. Several groups of elements are combined into a block and connected electrically in series and all cavities filled with an insulator.    At least one permanent magnet or electromagnet (39) is located outside the device so that at least part of the elements lie between the poles (37,38) of the magnet (39). The groups have explosion-welded plates (1,2) separated by an insulating protective layer (14). Parts of the plates are removed by cutting, grinding etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimal cost per kilowatt-hour of energy generated.
A subterranean wall is connected via a fluid line to a flasher-crystalliser-separator. The latter separates the brine into solid, liquid and vapour fractions. The separated liquid fraction is directed out of the separator into a second serially connected separator.    A portion controlled by a thermo compressor of the energy value in the extracted vapour fraction heats the separated liquid. Dissolved suspended solids in the liquid thus are stabilised. A turbine coupled to an electrical generator produces additional energy from the vapour fraction.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents precipitation and deposition of silicas upon entrance of well.
The unit has channel bars placed on the heliostat frame, each one provided with a pin with an attached bearing platform for two adjacent leaves and the latter clamp. To accelerate the assembly process and the leaf adjustment, the bearing platform is made as a bracket whose upper split shelf has two bent sections. Both shelves are provided with central openings. The lower shelf opening is not closed and its edge enters the annular groove on the pin. The fastening device is made as a threaded bracket integral with the nut, one of whose sections is additionally bent for interaction with the channel bar and the other section has a central opening through which passes the pin. The upper shelf bent sections are C-shaped for leaf clamping.    USE -   The unit is used for heliostat mirror leaves attachment. Bul.32/30.8.84.
A buoyancy vessel is held at a position against upwards movement until a predetermined moment and is then released for movement upwardly to a second position. The mass of the vessel is reduced as it moves upwardly, and the vessel is subsequently held at the second position against downwards move-ment until a predetermined moment and is then released for movement downwardly to the first position. The mass of the vessel is increased prior to and/or as it moves downwardly.    The vessel is held against upward -movement until after commencement of flow of the tide. The vessel includes a fixed and a variable buoyancy tank. The fixed tank has its interior placed in communication with the body of water.    ADVANTAGE -   Has reduced losses of energy during power transformation.
A main basin has a single-acting mode of operation by which a main turbine generates electricity twice a day during ebb tide periods. The basin has sluices opened during flood tide periods to refill it. A second basin is disposed adjacent to the first basin and has a pump-turbine assembly in its barrage whose pump is driven by power derived from the main turbine during low electricity demand periods to lower the second basin level.    The turbine of the second basin assembly generates electricity during high electricity demand periods which coincide with the flood periods using the head of water between the lowered level of the second basin and the flood tide sea level. The turbine of the second basin can be operated as a pump by reverse rotation or blade angle change using power from a grid. This protects the second basin barrage from damage by extra high tide or storm.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides uniform output at high efficiency.
An airtight cylindrical piston (F), housed in a pen (A) rises due to buoyancy and falls due to gravity when the pen (A) is alternately flooded and emptied by water from a reservoir (C), using timed valves inlet (B) and outlet (D). A second outlet valve (E) is an alternative. The piston (F) is guided by an arrangement comprising four stanchions (K) each being fitted with wheels (L) engaging four U-section plates (M) fixed vertically to side of the piston. (F).    Fixed vertically to the piston (F) is a drive shaft (H) the end of which passes through a collar (1) housed in overhead frame-work. Clamped to the drive shaft (H) is cogged driving plate (N) for transferring power produced to outside machinery by way of ratchet gear wheels (P,O). An overhead girder complex (J) houses a generator, flywheel or other machinery.    ADVANTAGE -   Combines buoyancy in harmony with gravity.
A second set of electrodes are formed on the semiconductor laminate member, the electrodes respectively corresp. to the first electrodes. Each of the first and second electrodes and the region of the laminate member sandwiched between constitute one semiconductor photoelectric transducer. Each transducer is connected to an adjacent transducer so that the second electrode of the latter is connected to the first electrode of the former through a contract portion extending from the second electrode of the latter into a contract groove cut in the laminate member. The contract groove and the contract portion are not exposed in the side walls of the laminate member. First and second sets of isolation grooves isolate respective adjacent first electrodes and adjacent second electrode. The side walls of the first and/or second electrode are retained inside the side walls of the substrate. The electrodes and contract grooves are defined by a laser beam.    ADVANTAGE -   Is easily manufactured without defects.
The appts. includes an infrared microscope and at least three sources of infrared radiation are placed around ahd have their axes intersecting the centre of the object field. The reflected infrared radiation through the microscope is sensed. The microscope, sources of infrared radiation and the radiation sensor are adapted to be mounted on an X-Y translator positioned over the object surface so that the inspection appts. can be moved over the entire object surface. The axis of the microscope is positioned orthogonal to the surface being inspected.    The infrared radiation sources are positioned at an angle to the microscope axes of between about 15 and 60 deg. pref. between about 30 and 40 deg., more preferably 35 deg. in order to maximise the formation of shadows of defects or other features not orthogonal to the optical axis. It is necessary to utilise at least five sources of infrared radiation in order to receive reflected or scattered radiation from cracks which are at any angle on the cell. The lights are positioned equidistant from each other in order to uniformly illuminate the test surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Portable and can be utilised in places where access is difficult.
A baseplate is rigidly anchored to the sea bed. A flat float is circular in plane view. This float can move up and down with the waves, and is restrained from sideways return by a number of cables fastened to a central filler on the baseplate.    Several lines run vertically from the baseplate. They pass over pulley wheels connected to electrical generators, and are kept taut by weights on their ends. The pulley wheels are rotated back and forth as the float bobs up and down. The system may also include vertical guidance rails.    ADVANTAGE -   A line of generators off-shore can create a zone of calmer water behind them.
Several collector elements are disposed at about forty-five degrees of arc to the direction of the sun's rays. Two flat plate reflectors (2,3) are orthogonally disposed with respect to each element with a third, lying parallel to the element.    Fluid flows through passages in the element to effect heat exchange with it and a load. An array of collector elements is provided, each of which is spaced from the next by a distance equal to the element's height.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher system temperatures are achieved so that larger volume of water can be heated to a predetermined temperature..
The armature comprises magnets defining north-south poles in alternately opposite directions, the axis of the poles being orthogonal to the direction of reciprocation of the armature. Each of the pole magnets is mounted parallel at relative distances to each other that are equal to their widths in the direction of armature reciprocation. Further provided in the generator is a stator including groups of continuous windings, each group corresponding to an adjacent pair of magnets, each group wound parallel to a plane defined by the direction of reciprocation of the armature and the centre point of the axis of the poles of the magnets.    Each winding has a width equal to the width of each pole of the magnet means in the direction of armature reciprocation. Also, each winding group is separated from the adjoining group by a width equal to the pole of each magnet. The advance and reverse of the armature is limited to a distance equal to three times the width of each pole of each magnet. Also furnished is a housing that will place the stator as close to the armature as possible in order to minimise the air gap.    USE -   In automotive system, windmill or sea-wave electrical generator.
A photovoltaic cell module laminate is made by sealing a photovoltaic cell circuit (2,3) in a polymer formed from upper (4) and lower (5) layers of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. The copolymer layers (4,5) contain up to 1 wt.% peroxide initiator dispersed therein and are coated with up to 0.5 wt.% of an organosilane monomer primer to promote bonding to the cell circuit (2,3) and to a solid superstrata (6) and substrate (7). The whole laminate is heated to crosslink the copolymer and seal the copolymer layers (4,5) to each other and to bond them to the cell circuit (2,3) and the substrate and superstrata (7 and 6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell module used in solar power modules. Bonding and sealing of the laminate can be achieved in a single step.
Module has a solar cell field comprising thin film solar cells formed along the edges of a glass substrate leaving an edge region of the substrate exposed, a resin layer being applied to the solar cell field and the substrate edge region. A protective backing layer may be adhered to the resin layer to cover the solar cell field and the substrate edge region.    ADVANTAGE -   Resin layer completely seals the solar cells from the environment and thus protects them against water andwater vapour. The module is simple, easy and inexpensive to produce.
In prodn. of frontal electrically conducting, pref. lattice, contacts in a photovoltaic (solar) cell with at least 2 semi-conducting layers, a perforated mask of non-conducting material is applied to the front (upper) semi-conductor layer, and electrically conducting material is applied to the perforations.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is made simply and cheaply. Loss due to shading of the active layers by the electrical contact is reduced. Efficiency is increased by about 20%. The mask can be removed after appln. of the electrically conducting material. Application or prepn. of modules comprising several photovoltaic cells is claimed.
In each cell the impinging solar rays are focussed by a biconvex lens onto a small surface of a hot plate. The high temperature heat is alternately transferred by sensors to conversion conductor pairs for economical electric power conversion, using the milking effect and the MHD generator principle.    The biconvex lens position is adjusted by a positioner, facing continuously the sun centre point. The positioner is incorporated in a housing, which together with the lens, a hot plate, a magnetic coil, a spherical bearing, a heat conductor, and several sensors forms the cell assembly.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple control of power output, with raising the Carnot effective rate to about 90%.
Energy is obtd. by a robot mole boring deep into the earth. Heat extracted by the mole passes via conductors to several heat-energy sources. These supply electrcn multipliers and accumulators continually with heat; here it is converted into electrical energy according to the demand, and surplus energy is stored as positive electrons in the accummulators. The plant also comprises a central control room, air conditioning system and communicating shafts. It is topped at ground level by a pyramid for access.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a generating plant for producing electricity from geothermal energy obtained deep in the earth. Also, esp. in the future, for a similar application on any planet or celestial body containing an internal source of heat. Virtually continuous operation with very long life and no environmental pollution or use of exhaustible supplies of energy. Can be located near centres of population. /3
The device incorporates vertical support (1) in which hydraulic pump (2) is located. The pump's rod is connected via rocker beam (4) to float (3). For smooth guidance of wave, the rocker beam is curved and equipped with deflecting screen (5) at the beam's end connecting to the float. The curved section is directed downwards and deflects the wave flow underneath the float.    The beam hinge support is free to rotate around the vertical support (1) which is cylindrical, and the device is equipped with two vertical guide plates (6,7) to position the float so that it faces the incoming wave.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electric power generation by utilisation of wave energy. Improves the energy conversion factor. Bul.28/30.7.84.
The optical concentrator first concentrates the solar radiator radiation into a spot image and then partially deconcentrates the spot so that it occupies an area on the receiving element. The optical deconcentrating system is located in the concentrating system (1) and consists of an optical guide (3) with internally reflecting sides. The guide's input face lies in the plane of the spot image and its output face (6) is adjacent to the element (7).    The input and output faces of the guide may have various shaped and may be parallel to one another. The side surface of the guide may be a pyramid or a cone or similar.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows concentration of radiation to be optimised.
The extruded aluminium version may be clad with protective sheet metal jackets made of, or coated with, a corrosion resistant Cu-Ni alloy. Individual panel sections can be joined together by tongue and groove engagement to obtain a total desired panel width if available extrusion press or rolling mill capacity is insufficient.    The plate-fin panels are assembled into slotted headering plates, and a layer of synthetic plastics potting compound seals dissimilar metal joints against electrolytic corrosion as well as leakage and provides sufficient adhesive strength to reduce or eliminate the need for welding the panels to the headers. Mechanical brush or hydraulic jet appts. is capable of continuously or intermittently cleaning slime or encrustations from all panel surfaces exposed to seawater.    USE -   For ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems.
A proximal end of the pipe (11) is secured to a surface structure such as a ship (10), and a distal end of the pipe (11) is extendible from the surface structure to a selected ocean depth.    The pipe (11) functions as a conduit through which cold water from the selected ocean depth can be drawn to the surface structure for use in a thermodynamic process of the OTEC system. The distal end of the pipe (11) can be quickly retracted to the surface structure when it becomes desirable to move the surface structure.    ADVANTAGE -   Applicability is not limited to any one particular OTEC system.
Photovoltaic device is formed by: forming a substrate with an insulating surface; adding a transparent electrode film (11); patterning the film with an energy beam to form islands of the film each corresp. to a photoelectric converting region (14), forming a semiconductor film on the islands; adding second electrodes of adjacent islands to each other.    ADVANTAGE -   Process avoids accidental shorts between electrodes in the photoelectric conversion regions; mfg. yield is increased and costs reduced. (First major country equivalent to J60003164-A)
The wave energy conversion installation has a sloping artificial shore (4) carried on a semi-submersible structure and fixed to a collection reservoir (11) which supplies, through conduits, turbine-generator units (19) carried above the water level. The height of both the artificial shore (4) and the reservoir (11) behind the 'shore' are adjustable relative to the support structure by sliders (13) and hydraulic actuators (14).    The collection reservoir (11) is followed by a settling reservoir (12) which controls the head of water to be delivered to the turbines by a high flow rate anti-return valve (20) exhausting to the sea.    ADVANTAGE -   Adjustable heights permit station to function effectively in varying wave heights and smooth delivery of water to turbines, maintaining more constant generation.
The marine-powered energy generation plant uses at least one container acting as a float and coupled to an electrical generator and filled with sufficient ballast to ensure that it remains upright at the water surface at a height which matches that of the received waves.    Pref. the float container is positioned at a height of between 1.3 and 0.2 times the max. wave height (Hwmax) and is freely movable within a hollow body which is open at the bottom and top. This hollow body may be coupled to a front section with upwards angled plates extending across its front between the opposing sidewalls and a rear surface for coverting the horizontal velocity component of the received waves into a vertical velocity component.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient utilisation of wave energy.
Accumulators or solar cells are produced by collecting the solar radiation by revolving concave mirrors and by collecting it in a bundle of optical fibres. These terminate in a lens focussed on the side of a laser tube. The emitted photon beam is split by a polarising lens and passed via glass fibres with copper wires to a ring transformer. The two polarisation directions of the photon rays are transformed by the superimposed magnetic field of the copper wires to an electron flow and its high-frequency pulsations are compensated by mutual induction.    A solar cell of one sq.m. area is shown in Fig.6. The upper layer is glass fibre and the second consists of glass or plastics to act as semipermeable mirror. The following narrow space is filled with CO2. A laser tube below the plate passes the photons through the exit mirror and a polarising lens splits them so that two ring transformers with glass fibres and copper windings and a soft iron ring can transform them to electron flows.    ADVANTAGE -   This converts sunlight into electrical current with a higher efficiency than silicon cells, e.g. up to 50%.
(JP93052674-B)      Producing semiconductor device comprises cleaning a conductive film contg. Sn oxide, using a liq. or gas contg. F, and forming a p-type semiconductor on the conductive film formed on a wafer; the liq. opt. a diluted hydrofluoric acid.    Used for making photoelectric conversion devices. (J59231878-A)
The module comprises a number of interconnected solar cell assemblies, as well as a groove section for retaining the protruding section on its opposite eside. Along the section length on the module side are engagement sections for the centre part of its length, which can engage the grooved section. The latter is of a length extending over the entire side of the module housing.    engagement sections when the section is inserted into the grooved section. In this manner two module housing are interconnectable by engagement of one protruding section into the grooved section of the other housing. By mutual shifting of the module housings along their sides, their connecting terminals are also connectable in the regular position of the two housings.    ADVANTAGE -   Easy formation of modular solar cell assembly with electrical and mechanical connection of individual modules.
Each light funnel has a pair of reflecting surfaces arranged in V or U shaped cross sections. The funnel angle is greater than six degrees and the funnel opening is wider than three inches. The principle of repeated incidence is realised by means of a heat absorbing fin disposed at the apex zone of the light funnel.    The funnel angle is equidivided by the heat absorbing fin. The fin transfers heat to the heating medium circulating through a vessel attached to the fin. Alternatively the sun light is directly converted to electrical energy as in the case of the fin being made of photovoltaic cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not need to track sun's movement, and so does not require lenses or reflecting surfaces made to close tolerances.
Solar energy collecting devices transfer sufficient solar energy to a heat transfer fluid in order to partially vaporise the fluid. The collectors are connected to thin bore conduit which has a mixed-phase flow of heat transfer fluid to the solar energy utilisation appts., the appts. functioning as a condenser in respect of the heat transfer fluid in the vapour phase.    A circulating system circulates heat transfer fluid from the devices to the heat utilisation appts. and includes a pump for supplying the heat transfer fluid in liquid form at a predetermined pressure to the devices in one line. A second line conveys fluid in mixed phase from the devices to the heat utilisation appts. Heat transfer conduits of the collectors are connected in parallel between the first and second lines. A flow control for each device, is connected in series with the heat transfer conduits.    ADVANTAGE -   Overall flow of fluid required to convey energy from collectors to utilisation appts. is reduced. Has increased collection efficiency due to reflector.
The mirror is made to track the sun, focussing the sun's rays on a receiver tube. The ends of the reflective material are attached by glue to attachment straps. The flexible mirror is then attached to the formers. The attachment straps are mounted in brackets and tensioned by tightening associated nuts on the ends of the attachment straps.    The flexible mirror is stretched in the direction of the receiver tube by adjusting tensioning nuts. The spreader bar cross section is chosen to be in the optic shadow of the receiver tube when tracking and not to intercept rays of the sun that would otherwise reach the receiver tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Can also be used to make non-parabolic mirrors for other appts. and applications. Receiver tube is not required to support bending moments. Field assembly under cramped and adverse conditions is possible.
The generator consists of a float (1), a vertical hydraulic pump, and a hydropneumatic accumulator (7) connected to it via a pressure pipe (5), and differs in that the float has a central aperture, while the pump is made in the form of coaxial outer (2) and inner (3) pipes. The outer pipe (2) is set in the aperture in the float, is fixed to it and has a suction valve (4) in the bottom. The inner pipe (3) is static and is connected to the hydropneumatic accumulator, and the pressure pipe has a pressure outlet valve (6).    The movement of the waves moves the float up and down in guides (8). As it moves down, water enters the pump through the suction valve, while the pressure valve is closed. On the upward movement the suction valve closes, and water is pushed through the pressure pipe and valve into the accumulator, which smooths out pressure variations.    ADVANTAGE -   Simpler pump design. Bul.22/15.6.84
(JP92043432-B)      Photoelectromotive device prodn. comprises laminating a conductive layer on an Ohmic layer made of Al or Al alloy, this layer being Ohmic-contacted with an optical semiconductor layer; the conductive layer being to form photoelectric conversion areas.    USE -   For converting the sunshine into an electric energy. (J59220979-A)
Mineral scaling and corrosion is reduced in a geothermal energy system comprising a prodn. well in contact with an underground source of high-temp. high-salinity geothermal brine, and a system of heat extn. from the brine. Non-geothermal water of much lower salinity is mixed at a point upstream of the heat extn. system. The point of mixing is pref. down in the well, above the geothermal source; and corrosion of prodn. casing may be reduced by flowing down the annulus between the prodn. casing and a removable liner.    The mixt. of effluent from the well can be let down in pressure in two steam separators in series. The steam flashed off can either be passed to a high pressure and a low pressure steam turbine on the same shaft, for electric power generation; or it can be passed to heat exchangers for vaporising a power fluid in an enclosed circuit which also includes a turbine connected to an electricity generator.    USE -   Generating electrical power from geothermal sources of very high Cl content and SiO2 content close to saturation.
The panel comprises (a) a light-transparent substrate (3) comprising a flexible, chemically reinforced sheet (5) of alkali-free or alkali-contg. glass 0.2-1.2 mm thick, having K contg. layers (6, 7) formed in the opposite main surfaces; and (b) a laminate (4) formed on the substrate comprising (i) a light transparent conductive layer (10); (ii) at least one pin type non-single crystal semiconductor photoelectric conversion structure (11) and (iii) a second conductive layer (17).    Multiple photoelectric conversion panels (1) each as above, are disposed side by side in a flexible plastic frame (2) reinforced with C fibres, having the same flexibility as the glass sheet substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate is lightweight and does not break when exposed to high wind press. or when hit by a small object e.g. a pebble. With a flexible frame, the panel structure similarly is not damaged. The structures are thus suitable for outdoor use under sever conditions. (First major country equivalent to J59217378-A)
The water power station has a grating-sealed submerged intake in a water-damming wall, adjoined by a downpipe. This contains two turbines, with lighting and power system generators. The pipe outlet opens into a chamber in the concrete structure, containing a vertical worm conveyor carrying water to a chamber above normal water level. This has an outflow hole containing a wheel valve.    The worm has a vacuum region, with vacuum generated by power driven wheels. The worm shaft has an end windmill for driving these. The conveyor water-ducting chamber is linked with a compressed air generating system. The concrete structure also houses storage batteries, linked with one of the turbine's generators.    ADVANTAGE -   Environmentally acceptable, providing an artificial waterfall in any piece of water, with prefabricated structures assembled for large-scale electricity supply.
Battery, consisting of a single crystal semiconductor material with one or more pnjunctions and tritium as radioactive emitter, has the tritium distributed in homogeneously in the semiconductor material, the maximum of the distribution lying within a range determined by the sum of the diffusion lengths of the minority carrier and the barrier layer width.    ADVANTAGE -   The tritium is localised at the pn junction(s) to give more effective use of the tritium and extremely flat pn junctions are not required.
A number of solar cells are electrically connected in series with each other, each cell having an exposed side to absorb light impinging on it. A heat conductor has a surface in thermal contact with an opposite of each cell. A coolant tube adapted to be charged with coolant fluid, in thermal contact with the conductor.    A dielectric material positioned between the heat conductor and coolant tube electrically insulates the tube from the conductor. A transparent cover mounted on the conductor isolates the solar cells from the external environment, the cells being attached to the cover at their exposed sides. The cover is releasably secured in sealing engagement with the conductor.    ADVANTAGE -   Releasable securing device facilitates easy removal of cover and attached solar cells from receiver for repair or replacement without interrupting circulation of coolant fluid through tube.
The material pref. contains less than 0.1 atom % Aq. on the content of Bi, Sb, Te and Ag, together with up to 1.0 wt.% Pb. The atom % of Bi, Sb, Te, and Ag are pref. expressed by    Bi10Sb30-xAgxTe60    in which x is less than 0.10. Pref. x is 0.016-0.05 and the Pb concn. is less 1.0 wt.%.    Also claimed is a thermoelectric device which contains p-type and n-type semiconductor elements, the improvement comprising the use of at least one p-type element.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thermoelectric energy systems in which the elements are easily prepared with improved proportion at 300 deg. C or below, esp. for cooling.
All sunlight is received as white light that passes selectively through holographic laminates or plates, the infrared (IR) wave portion of the spectrum being separated for heat absorption, and the ultraviolet (UV) portion of the spectrum being separated for photo voltaic power generation. The light is separated into distinct wavelength ranges while normalising its projection to occur parallel with the axis of the collector.    Spectrally selective holograms comprised of circularly concentric gratings are provided to separate the infrared portion of the spectrum from the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum while normalising the same along the collector axis. The infrared portion is concentrated and the ultraviolet portion is columnated, there being hologram gratings for infrared light diffraction and a hologram gratings for ultraviolet light diffraction. A microwave dish is used as a substrate of photo-voltaic cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Tracking mechanism is eliminated.
The generator consists of a floating housing (1) which is partially filled with a liquid, and a dividing partition with a channel which contains the turbogenerator.    The generator differs by incorporating two or more additional partitions (2) with channels (3), each of which contains a turbo-generator (4). The housing is sealed, and the partitions are located radially inside it.    When the housing is moved by the effect of waves on it, the liquid inside it flows from one section to another, passing through the channels and actuating the generators. The radial location of the partitions ensures that the turbogenerators are operated regardless of the direction of motion.    ADVANTAGE -   More effective use of wave energy. Bul.20/30.5.84
The equipment comprises a circuit including a number of key input contacts. A frame is arranged on the surface of the circuit structure, and key input buttons are arranged one for each of the key input contacts. The frame has holes for each of the key input contacts, an insulative layer adjoining the electrical circuit and a metal layer which is in contact with the electrical circuit.    The metal layer is exposed at the holes so that the key input buttons, which fit into the holes, selectively and electrically connect the key input contacts to the metal layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Thin structure. (First major country equivalent to J59211286)
A solar battery consisting of several cells is produced by using a pair of soft foils (polyester), each carrying conductor tracks in the direction of the cell alignment. The tracks of one foil are directed towards the light receiving surfaces of the cells, and those of the other towards the rear. A section of the receiving surface protrudes in the space between the cells. Each cell is enclosed between the foils by a pressure application, followed by an irradiation of both surfaces to produce welded joints.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes on both cell surfaces now suffer no cracks or scaling. Several cells can be connected to a battery at high speed.
A system comprises a fresh water subsea electrolyzer coupled to a fresh water source sufficiently above the sea surface to provide the required pressure, and a wave-powered generator providing electrical power directly and only to the electrolyzer. A subsea storage vessel has a bottom aperture to admit sea water and has an inlet conduit from the electrolyzer and an outlet conduit from vessel to shore.    The outlet conduit has its end in the vessel so that pure gas under pressure determined by vessel depth is delivered onshore. The source may be designed to receive rainwater and is connected to the electrolyzer by a water-filled standpipe. The generator may have a tethered floating helix automatically aligned with wave propagation direction and coupled to a generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Alimination of freshwater pumping increases efficiency.
The solar manifold has a body (1) with supply and removal pipes (2,3) and base (4). Body (1) contains a layer (5) of solid absorbing particles. To intensify the heat transfer, the absorbing particles are made of magnetic material. The manifold is provided with a magnet (6) which can rotate. The body is made as a rotating body and its inner surface (7) is reflective.    Due to magnetic field created by electro-magnet (6), layer (5) heated by the concentrated beam energy begins to rotate and carries the heating media supplied tangentially to body (1) through pipe (2). When the heating media reaches a certain rotation velocity it flows through pipe (3) to the utiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar manifold ensures a high intensity heating of the media. Bul.18/15.5.84
The system includes panels positioned in a row, supported on parallel axes. The panels are linked together by two transmission connecting rods (11,12) situated on either side of the row. Each panel is attached to a chassis (15) which is able to rotate about the axis under the action of cables (13,14) passing over guide pegs.    The guide pegs are mounted on plates (18) which also support the connecting rods. One of the panels, normally the middle in the row, includes an array of photocells which allow it to track the sun. The motor moves this main panel according to the sun's position, and the other panels are drawn into parallel positions.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises shadows caused by one panel on another.
The solar panel which is supported on a triangular frame is intended to be orientated in azimuth towards the sun. The angle of sight remains constant. The panel includes a row of photocells, and a Fresnel lens with a linear focus concentrating the sun's rays on to the photocells. The lens is positioned so that the photocells lie in a plane midway between the focal plane of the lens under normal incidence, and the focal plane of the lens for the max. possible angle of sight. The concentration factor of the lens is moderate - typically of the order of 5. The Fresnel lens has its flat surface towards the sun, and the series of inclined planes facing the cells, with the width of these surfaces increasing from the edge towards the middle of the lens.    ADVANTAGE -   Is of simple and economic construction with acceptable losses and reduced local temp. of photocells.
When the valve is in open position, the liquid flows through the primary pipe from the primary basin and passes into the communicative vessels attempting to rise in order to equalise with the subsequent level in the primary basin in accordance with Pascal's Principle. The float rises with the level of the liquid in the vessel and the racking arm attached to the float drives the pinion and all associated mechanisms which in turn provides rotational force at the generator (alternator).    The float is allowed to rise to the upper level. The inlet valve closes and the outlet valve opens permitting the liquid to flow out into the next communicative vessels or through the return pipe, via a pump, to the primary basin, allowing the floats to descend to the lower level, when the valves close and the valve automatically re-opens.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency. Wide range of environments.
The fluid motor for use in conjunction with a liquid containing pipe comprises a housing with a disc having vanes centrally mounted on a shaft supported in the housing so that it extends only partially into the pipe. There are vanes on the side faces of the disc to engage the liquid passing through the pipe. Liquid motion through the pipe causes rotation of the disc and the shaft associated. The vane includes a leading edge proximate to but just below a peripheral rim portion of the disc, the leading edge tapering away from the peripheral rim in an arcuate fashion, to a side edge.    The side edge includes linear portion tapering and narrowing towards the shaft, terminating in an arcuate root at a base area of the vane. The vane has a concave front face and a convex back face relative to the direction of liquid flow to enhance the fluid flow rate.    USE -   For power generation from domestic water supply.
The luminescent solar concentrator of the comprises optically coupled flat planar luminescent layers having a major surface for receipt of incident radiation and at least one edge surface through which radiation can escape.    Each layer has, on the top and bottom surface, a light transparent layer having an index refraction which is lower than the index refraction of the luminescent layer. All of the layers are joined to form an all solid state luminescent solar collector.
The turbine assembly includes parallel axles supporting, firstly, a cylindrical turbo-generator (1) between two side frames, and, secondly, two oval section turbines (2). Spherical turbines (3) are mounted in threes on the third and fourth shafts. The shafts are coupled together by transmission chains (4).    The structure floats, and is directed so that water strikes the spherical turbines beforethe oval section and cylindrical units.    USE -   For generating electricity in a barrage, or producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water where power supply would otherwise be a problem.
The system includes a valle y having a V-shaped cross-section extending along the ridge of the roof. The base of the valley slopes down to collection pipes leading to cisterns inside the house. There are overflow pipes for excess water.    The sides of the valley may support photoelectric cells, or solar panels in order to collect energy from the sun.    USE -   Complete installation provides water for house or workshop and may be partially or totally autonomous.
Thin porous sheet of ceramic material is formed by: forming a slurry of fine ceramic particles; spray drying to form porous agglomerates; calcining to fix the particles while maintaining their porosity; forming a slip; and tape casting into thin strip having a microporosity defined by the agglomerates and a macroporosity defined by the spacing between them.    Pref. the slurry includes particles of at least two oxides which react to form a ceramic oxygenate during spray drying and calcining.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a molten carbonate fuel cell. Thin ceramic sheets of good strength are obtd. having a fine pore structure for contacting electrolyte and a larger pore structure for admitting reactant gas.
Prepn. comprises coating resin film on conductive felt which has been dried after impregnating with soln. of resin, coating paste prepd. by compounding same resin with fine conductive powder on surface of conductive felt and drying prod., and compression-moulding paste with compression moulding machine at specified temp. and under specified pressure.    Pref. resin soln. is aq. dispersion of fluororubber latex. Resin soln. consists essentially of flexible unsatd. polyester resin. Compression ratio in compression-moulding stage is at least 40 % based on thickness of conductive felt including conductive paste layer before moulding.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sheet having superior uniformity of volume resistivity as low as 1 ohm-cm and having only small directional property with high flexibility and mechanical strength is provided. Since inexpensive carbon fibre is usable in place of conventional carbon cloth, the material cost is reduced by ca. 30%.
Conductive material consisting of Nd2 Yd2 F6O3 is claimed.    The material is produced by grinding and mixing neodymium fluoride with ytterbium oxide, or ytterbium fluoride with neodymium oxide. Then the mixt. is kept under an inactive gas atmosphere at 1200 - 1400 deg. C for 2-6 hrs..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Better conductivity at lower temp. than those of conventionally produced conductive materials. Useful for various electronics materials. In an example 1 mol. of NdF3 powder and 0.5 mol. Yd2O3 powder are ground and mixed to max. 200 mesh, then pressed in high purity alumina boat and fired in argon atmos. at 1350 deg. C for 2 hours. It was gradually cooled to approx. 100 deg. C in 3.5 hours in the same atmosphere. The calculated conductivity was 1.7 x 10 power (-3)S/cm.
Fuel cell includes a porous electrode having a continuous, dense, porous, electrically nonconducting binder layer adhered to and supported by its surface, which has sufficient porosity to be impregnable with carbonate salt and pref. insufficient thickness to be self supporting. The binder layer is formed by (a) forming a suspension of porous, electrically nonconducting binder powder ina charged state in a direlectric liq. binder; (b) contacting at least one surface of one electrode and a spaced counter electrode with the suspension, and (c) applying an electric field between the electrodes to electrophoretically deposit the powder as a continuous dense layer adhered to and supported by the electrode.    The component is assembled to form a cell having two porous electrodes and a continuous electrolyte layer formed of the binder layer contg. a carbonate salt in its pores.    ADVANTAGE -   The layer is rapidly deposited, e.g. in about 1-2 min.. It may be much thinner than an unsupported layer, e.g. 250-500 microns, for low IR drop and high efficiency.
(JP92021963-B)      Conductor comprises hydrous heteropoly-acid or hydrous heteropoly-acid salt and metal oxide e.g. Al203, SiO2, ZrO2, Ta205 or Nb205.; hydrous cpd. may be obtd. from P tungstate.    Used for mfg solid electrolytes. (J60220503-A)
(JP92021962-B)      Conductor comprises hydrous heteropoly-acid or hydrous heteropoly-acid salt and O donor e.g. alcohol, ether or heterocyclic cpd.; hydrous cpd. may be obtd. from P tungstate.    Used for mfg. solid electrolytes for electrochemical appts. (J60220502-A)
Separator for a stacked array of molten carbonate fuel cells providing isolation and an inter-cell conductive path has a flat, rectangular conductive centre portion around which are positioned elongated resilient flanges which form a gas-tight seal around the cell. Each flange encapsulates a respective edge of the separator's inner flat portion and isolates the edge from the corrosive components of the cell.    Pref. the inner portion is of stainless steel with Ni cladding towards the anode; and the flanges are pref. made of a non-corrosive alloy of Y, Fe, Al or Cr.    ADVANTAGE -   Design permits highly conductive material to be used for the separator while being protected from corrosion by an efficient gas-tight wet seal.
An electric power source comprises (a) an electrochemically consumable reactive metal anode comprising a slurry of reactive particles of metal or alloy contg. Al, Li, Na, Mg and/or Ca, suspended in electrolyte soln. and impinging on an inert current collector; (b) an H2-evolving, water-consuming cathode; (c) a supply of reactive metal particles not contacting the electrolyte soln., fed to the slurry on demand.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The power source is useful for propulsion of small marine vehicles over long distances, using seawater obtd. from the surroundings as electrolyte. The power source is compact, has a small size and wt., and provides high flexibility, with reactant material stored outside the cell. When used with a fuel cell, it provides a long life system having a size and wt. much less than an aicd fuel cell of comparable power. A pref. Li-Al mixt. yields 3 kwh/kg reactant metal. A 20 kW power source has a stack size about 3 ft. 3., and the reactant supply for a 150 h trip occupies 1 m3.
H3PO4 fuel cell includes two gas-diffusible, electrodes each with a catalyst-supporting, conductive, porous fired layer contg. a water-repellant binder. The anode has a layer H3PO4 satn. absorption than the cathode by having a lower amt. of water repellant binder and a lower fixing temp. The H3PO4 is contd. in a porous matrix between the electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell voltage is maintained since migration of the electrolyte to the cathode is minimised. (First major country equivalent to J60216457-A)
An appts. to store Cl in a form such as C12.xH2O, where n = 6-8 in a tank, and feeds Cl gas after heating the Cl hydrate until it is decomposed, as is required. It contains a cooled water soln. to react with the Cl gas to produce the Cl hydrate. The novelty is pref. a hollow tube having upper and lower ends open is put in the tank. A cooler is put in an upper space of the tank and on the outside of the hollow tube. A heater is put in a lower space. A Cl gas inlet pipe is opened in a lower area of the tube. A Cl gas sending pipe is automatically in the upper part of the tank.
Appts. includes (a) reforming pipes; (b) a combustion chamber; (c) a combustion gas regulating valve; (d) reforming gas (I) regulating valves provided for (I) lines, for delivering (I) into the reforming pipes; (e) temp. measuring elements for measuring the pipe wall temps. of the reforming pipes; and (f) a pipe wall temp. controlling circuit that comprises first valve control means for controlling the opening of the combustion gas regulating valve and second valve control means for controlling the opening of each of (I) regulating valve.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts. is efficient and has a long useful life.
Appts. includes (a) reforming pipes; (b) combustion chambers for the respective reforming pipes; (c) combustion gas regulating valves in combustion gas lines for regulating a combustion gas to the respective combustion chambers; (d) reforming gas regulating valves for regulating a gas to be reformed into the reforming pipes; (e) a combustion gas feed rate regulating valve provided to a line common to the combustion gas line; (f) first valve control means for controlling the opening of each of (e); (g) second valve control means for controlling the opening of each (c); and (h) third valve control means for controlling the opening of each of the reforming gas regulating valves.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts. is efficient and has a long useful life.
(JP94086282-B2)      Fuel quality is improved by mixing hydrogen with steam in the presence of a catalyst layer maintained at high temp. by a heating gas. The supply of hydrogen and steam to the catalyst layer is increased or decreased depending on temp. of the catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used in a fuel cell generating system. Supply of hydrogen and steam can be instantaneously controlled.
Process includes (a) introducing reaction gas consisting of a raw fuel and steam into a reforming tube; (b) detecting the pressure difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure of the reforming tube by a pressure difference detector; (c) balancing the pressure difference signal and the pressure signal obtd. from the gas that is released; (d) controlling the release of the gas so that the internal pressure of the reforming tube is higher than the external pressure at least by a specified amt.    ADVANTAGE -   Breakage of reforming tube is prevented, and system has a long useful life.
Halogen is generated by electrolysing halide solns. using an amorphous metal alloy anode of formula: PtpAaDd where A = one or more of Cr, Mo, W, Fe, Os, Cu, Ni, Ag, V and Au; D = one or more of B, Si, Al, Ge, P, As, Sb and Sn; P = 40-92; a = 0-40; d = 8-60; and p+a+d = 100; or PtpEeFf, where E = one or more of Cr, Mo, W, Fe, Os, Ir, Cu, Ni, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ti, Ru, Nb, V, Ta and Au; F = one or more of B, Al, Ge, As, Sb and Sn; p = 40-92; e = 0-40; f = 8-60; and a+e+f = 100.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Specifically in prodn. of Cl2, (per)chlorates and Cl oxides esp. from aq. NaCl solns. Electrodes are also useful in prodn. of F2 and persulphate; as electrowinning anodes; in fuel cells; in waste water treatment; and in organic reactions. Alloys are highly corrosion resistant and in Cl2 evolution processes are 100% selective to Cl2.
An oxido-reduction photo-catalyst based on a semi-conductor contains at its surface a chromophore comprising a fragment of a transition metal and a ligand of the bipyridyl or phenanthrolyl type.    Also claimed is a process for sensitising an oxido-reduction photocatalyst based on a semi-conductor by fixing at its surface the above chromophore which causes a displacement of the luminous absorption band of the catalyst towards the visible light.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the photooxidation of aq. or aq. organic liquids in visible light and the photodecomposition of aq. liquids. For the prodn. of hydrogen and oxygen by photo decomposition of aq. liquids in visible light; in photoelectrochemical cells and partic. in solar energy conversion systems. The catalyst gives adequate yield.
Prodn. of a hydrogen absorber body for absorbing hydrogen and its isotopes carried in a fluid medium comprises: (a) producing a mixt. of hydrogen, permeable liq. siloxane elastomer (LSE) activated hydrogen absorbing material (AM) and a curing agent (CA) for the elastomer which is non-poisionous to the AM whereby the elastomer encloses the AM; and (b) forming the cylindrical or porous disc) for the absorbing so that after cutting the elastomer forms a barrier between the AM and the medium. The absorbing body is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   By enclosing the AM in a cured siloxane elastomer mechanical strength is imparted to the body and the elastomer barrier protects the AM in a passive way from environmental 200 deg.C whilst allowing hydrogen through to be absorbed. The elastomer allows transfer of oxygen and water vapour through it in order to allow a form of reversible absorption.
Active material for an H2 storage electrode comprises (I) about 28-36 (33) at.% Ti; 40-56 (53) at.% V; 10-22 (14) at.% Ni; and opt. Al and/or Zr as less than 10 at.%. (II) about 15-20 at.% Ti; 15-40 at.% V; 10-20 at.% Zr, 30-55 at.% Ni; (III) about 5-25 at.% Ti; 40-55 at.% V; 5-25 at.% Cr; 10-25 at.% Ni. These materials are represented by (I) (TiV2-xNix)1-yMy; where M=Al or Zr, x=0.2-1.0, y=0-0.2; pref. y=0, x=0.40-0.45; (e.g. V53Ti33Ni14). (II) Ti2-xZrxV4-yNiy; where x is greater than 0 and up to 1.5, pref. =0.95-1.05; y=0.6-3.5, pref. 2 or 3; (e.g. Ti17 V17Zr16Ni50). (III) Ti1-xCrxV2-yNiy; where x is greater than 0 and up to 0.75; pref. =0.45-0.55; y=0.2-1.0, pref. 0.4-0.6 (e.g. V53Ti17Cr17Ni13).    An electrochemical cell comprises a casing contg. at least one electrode as above, for storing energy; and at least one counter electrode spaced from the electrode, for releasing stored energy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are generally used with Ni hydroxide counter electrode and alkaline electrolyte. The active material compsn. and structure allows high charge and discharge rates, efficient reversibility, high electrical efficiency, bult H2 storage without structural change or poisoning, good mechanical integrity over a long cycle life, and deep discharge capability. The graph shows a representative discharge for exemplary material (III). A similar material maintained its initial capacity of 1.7 Ah after 170 cycles.
A fuel cell has an anode in contact with an electrolyte on one side and a gaseous full e.g. hydrogen on the other. The cathode is in contact with the electrolyte on one side and an oxyqen carrier on the other located between the anode and cathode is a frame with a square central aperture that is produced of an insulating plastics e.g. polypropylene.    Circulation of the electrolyte and the fuel within the cell is produced by a distributor plate (26). The top and bottom sides of the plate have main ducts (28) that have a number of narrow section channels (36) that are formed in a fan shape. Flow passes into parallel channels (24) that provide circulation with the bottom outlets. A similar pattern is formed on the other side of the plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved circulation of fluids within cell.
The fuel cell has two porous electrodes (1,2) that provide the boundary elements. The anode (1) is in contact with the electrolyte on one side and the gaseous fuel on the other side. The cathode is in contact with the electrolyte on one side and gaseous oxygen on the other. The electrodes are produced of carbon, graphite or plastics together with a catalyst. Both electrodes lie on the sides of a frame (3) with a square section opening, that is produced of an insulating plastics, e.g. polypropylene.    The top and bottom sections of the frame have apertures for the flow of fuel and electrolyte. The electrolyte passes through a hole (8B) into a number of channels (11) that provide a high resistance flow path. The channels are covered with a thin film (15) of insulating plastic.    ADVANTAGE -   Micro section electrolyte channels with efficient sealing.
Porous electrodes (1,2) form the boundaries of the fuel cell. The anode (1) is in contact on one side with the electrolyte and on the other with the gaseous fuel. The cathode (2) is in contact with the electrolyte on one side and with gaseous oxygen on the other. Both electrodes contain carbon, graphite or plastics together with a catalyst. The cathode (2) is located in a frame with a central square section aperture which is produced of an insulating plastics. The top and bottom regions have apertures for the fuel and the electrolyte.    Grooved channels (11) form passages for the electrolyte flow and provide a high flow resistance. The channels are sealed by a second frame plate (55) of insulating material. The two plates are bonded together with a suitable adhesive.    ADVANTAGE -   Has sealed circulating channels for electrolyte.
A porous carbonaceous electrode substrate, provided with a gp. of elongated holes for reactant gases, for fuel cells is prepd. by the steps: (a) introducing into a metal mould of predetermined shape and dimension, in order, (1) a first material for producing the elctrode substrate, (2) a high polymeric substance in the shape of a cloth-like fabric or a grating like moulding for forming the elongated holes, and (3) a second amt. of material (1); (b) press-moulding the materials in the mould heated at 70-170 deg.C at a pressure of 5-100 kg/cm2 for 1-160 mins; (c) subjecting the material to after hardening; and (d) calcining the material in an inert atmos. at 800-3,000 deg.C to thermal-decompose a larger pt. of material (2) and carbonise it, resulting in a porous carbonaceous electrode substrate provided with holes, as (7), which are open from one side to the oppsite side through nearly the central region of the thickness of the susbtrate.    Material (1) comprises: 10-50 wt.% of a filling material (i) which is short carbon fibres or granular activated carbon, 20-40 wt.% of a binding material (ii) selected from phenol activated carbon, 20-40 wt.% of a binding material (ii) selected from phenol resin, epoxy resin, furfuryl alcohol resin, pitch derived from petroleum or coal, and mxits., providing a carbonisation yield of 30-75 wt.%, and 20-50 wt. of a micropore regulating material (iii) selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polystyreene, polyethylene, polypropylene, sucrose and mixts. Material (2) is selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl alcohol to give a carbonisation yield of less than 30.wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   substrate is thinner than conventional ones and the thinner gas diffusion layer, provides a smaller resistance to gas diffusion and a larger current density. (First major country equivalent to J60195876-A)
Molten carbonate fuel cell comprises (a) a porous electrode having reservoir pores contg. discrete quantities of electrolyte and bulk pores larger than the reservoir pores; and (b) a porous electrolyte matrix having pores smaller than the reservoir pores. The electrode comprise a uniform mixt. of electrode active powder and porous ceramic particles contg. carbonate electrolyte in its pores, shaped to form an electrode.    The electrode is mfd. by (i) forming a suitable ceramic powder, 1 micron mean dia., into porous particles having a mean dia. not less than 30 mil and pores having a mean dia. 1-3 microns; (ii) homogeneously mixing with powder electrodes active material 4-9 micron mean dia.; (iii) sintering under a protective atmos. for long enough to form a rigid matrix; electrolyte into the porous ceramic particles.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte acts as electrolyte reservoir, sufficient to maintain adequate performance over 40,000 hr. cell life.
An electrolytic cell stack, having opposed ends of negative and positive electrical potential, has a gas seal bbtween a gas supply manifold and a face of the cell stack including a porous sealing medium between their marginal portions. An electrical short protection device combined with the gas seal comprises (a) a nonporous electrically insulating shield between the edges of at least two cells at the negative end of the stack and the porous sealing medium; and (b) an electrically conductive foil of corrosion resistant material, electrically coupled to the negative potential of the cell stack, aligned with the shiled but on the opposite side of the porous sealing medium. Electrolytically dissolved metal ions pref. migrate to the foil instead of to the face of the cell stack.    ADVANTAGE -   The short protection device prevents plating onto the stack, preventing shorting for over 2000 hrs. operation under conditions where an unprotected stack shorted after 200-300 hr. It uses only min. amts. expensive noble metals.
A fuel cell, comprising an oxidising agent chamber supplied with oxidising gas and a fuel chamber supplied with fuel gas is operated by (a) purging the chambers with inert gas while connecting the fuel cell to an outside auxiliary load circuit; (b) heating the fuel cell; (c) replacing the inert gas with oxidising and fuel gas, and controlling the unit cell voltage to not more than 0.85V; and (d) connecting the fuel cell to an outside load circuit to start operation. The auxiliary load cell may be disconnected from the auxiliary load cell after (e). It is pref. reconnected during operation when fluctuating demand causes the outside load to become too low, and during shut down.    ADVANTAGE -   Control of the cell voltage prevents sintering of noble metal electrode catalyst particles, e.g. Pt black, maintaining high catalytic activity for prolonged times and avoiding a decrease in fuel cell performance. (First major country equivalent to J60189871-A)
Small grained ceramic articles are made of ZrO2, with 0.5-4 mol% of a rare-earth oxide, e.g. Y2O3 and/or CeO2, Gd2O3, La2O3 or SrO, 0.5-7 mol% of MgO and small quantities of Al2O3 and processed to form a sintered part of cubic grains coated with MgAl-spinel particles.    The processing is also claimed. This consists of mixing ZrO2 with rare earth oxide, e.g. Y2O3, and a small amt. of Al2O3, pressing and sintering at 1400-1600 deg.C, pref. 1500 deg.C. In the presence of MgO either mixed in with the powders or provided in the ambient. The sintered part is then annealed at 1200-1350 deg.C. During the high temp. sintering cubic grains are formed while during the annealing tetragonal grains grow inside the cubic grains.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material has a much smaller grain-size than conventional fubic ZrO2 ceramic and shows a much higher strength. It also has a greater temp. stability than conventional large grained cubic material and, though contg. tetragonal crystals, has excellent resistance to damp heat. The processing can be carried out at a lower temp. The material can be used as construction material in steam-engines and as solid electrolyte.
Environmentally satisfactory energy recovery involves passing the current occurring in different strengths or at different times to the electrodes of an electrolysis bath, so that dil. acid is conc., the O2 is released into the atmos. and the H2 is collected.    One electrode is in the acid. Dil. acid is supplied continuously and conc. acid is drawn off. The O2 can also be collected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is suitable for energy recovery from current unsuitable for supplying to the population. The energy is produced without consuming raw materials, harm to the environment or danger to humans, animals, plants and buildings. The current can be produced in generators operated by wind, waves, floods and tides. The H2 generated is useful for fuelling power stations and vechicles, whilst the O2 can be used to improve the air in the atmos.
A high temp. solid electrolyte electrochemical cell comprises two electrodes (27,36) having a solid electrolyte (30) between them, formed by vapour deposition from metal halides at above 1000 deg. C. A solid inter layer (28) of O2-permeable, electrically conductive, Y chromite doped with Ca and/or Cr is provided between at least one electrode and the electrolyte to protect the electrode from degradation by hot metal halide vapours during electrolyte deposition.    ADVANTAGE -   The interlayer minimises degradation of the (air) electrode by hot halide vapours and reduced long term metal diffusion from electrode materials, providing better cell performance and stability at operating conditions.
Producing hydrogen in an energy system by (a) placing porous material in reaction zones in a reactor; (b) heating the reaction zones; (c) heating water for the generation of steam; (d) feeding the steam to the reaction zones for interaction with the porous material resulting in the disassociation of hydrogen from the steam; (e) diffusing the resulting hydrogen through the porous material to separate the hydrogen from the steam and disassociated oxygen; (f) subsequently passing a portion of the hydrogen through the reaction zones to regenerate the porous material; and (g) alternating the flow of the steam and the portion of the hydrogen via transversed and radial passages in the reactor adapted to interconnect the longitudinal reaction zones to each other, thereby permitting the interleaving of the steps of feeding and passing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   At the high temps., the steam (or water) becomes superheated steam which tends to disassociate in the presence of the catalyst, to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen is produced from water which is instantaneously available for use either as an essentially pollution free fuel, which, when burned, again produces water, or as a chemical wherever hydrogen is required in prods. or processes.
A cathode for electrogeneration of H2 from aq. alkaline electrolyte comprises (a) an electroconductive substrate inert in the electrolyte; (b) a coating of metal particles ABN and opt. up to an equal wt. of metal inert in the electrolyte; where A=rare earth and/or Ca, opt. partly replaced by Zr and/or Th; B=Ni and/or Co, opt. with up to 1.5 ats. replaced by Al, Cu, Sn, Fe, Cr; N=4-8; e.g. LaNi4.7Al0.3; and (c) a sintered unfibrillated polymer from PTFE, polyvinylidene fluoride, poly-chloro-trifluoro-ethylene; fluorinated ethylene propylene polymer; poly-perfluoro-alkoxyethylene; and silicones, bonding the particles to the substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes show higher efficiency than unactivated cathodes, with low overpotentials (e.g. 0.08V) and flat voltage versus time characteristics, and low coating loss during electrolysis (e.g. less than or =2% in 146 h).
In recovering precious metals from electrodes of fuel cells by means of electrolysis, electrolyte contg. ions or ligands forming complex ions with precious metals to make them soluble, is supplied to said electrodes to dissolve precious metals by electrolysis and are recovered.    Anion such as Cl-, Br-, I-, CN-, NH3-, NO2-, ethylenediamine, (C5H5N), and malonic acid, and the like that forms stable complex ions with precious metals may be added to the electrolyte, if necessary.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for recovery of precious metals such as Pt from laminated fuel cells with high efficiency and by a simple process and is effective in recycling the resources. The recovery can be effectively done from laminated fuel cells without decomposing the cell.    In an example electrolyte 5 litre soln. contg. 2 mol/l HCl, and 1 mol/l KCl was supplied separately to anode and cathode of laminated type fuel cell (30 cells laminated type-output 50 W, contg. 5 g Pt) using cation exchange membrane Nafion 25 with flow rate 10 ml/min., then electrolysed with 1.8 V while reversing the electrode polarity. The recovery ratio of Pt was 92% with 13% current efficiency.
An electrode material for a fuel cell comprises 2 porous carbonaceous layers, each having in the centre of the layer a number of channels for feeding gaseous reactants into the cell, and, between the porous layers, a gas-impermeable carbonaceous layer, with, in the centre of the layer, a number of channels for feeding coolant.    The channels in each layer are parallel to each other and to the electrode surface, and continuous from 1 side of the electrode to the other; channels are at right angles to channels. The properties are: density, at least 1.2 g/cc, 0.4-0.8 g/cc; porosity 50-80%; gas permeability coefft. not above 1x10-4 square cm/h/mmWS, at least 20 ml/cm/h/mmWS; heat conductivity, at least 1.16 W/Km, at least 0.81 W/Km; specific resistance not above 10x10-3 omega cm; open pores at least 60% of dia. not above 100 microns. Layers may comprise a more porous layer and a less porous layer, with the channels between these layers.
Laminated electrolytic tank is composed of unit electrolytic cells electrically connected in series and laminated one above another. Each cell has a positive electrode chamber and negative electrode chamber surrounded by a frame.    Improvement is that electrolyte soln. entrance and exit holes communicating with the positive and negative electrode chambers are independently formed every 2 or more unit cells. The no. of these holes is less than the no. of the unit cells. A pump to feed the soln. into the soln. entrance hole may be attached to each entrance hole.
Appts. having a positive pole chamber and a negative pole chamber has a third chamber provided between the pole chambers, and is partitioned by membranes, through which an electrolyte can flow into the third chamber. Poisoned material in at least one of the positive pole and negative pole chambers is eliminated by the electrolyte in the third chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A poisoned material produced in the positive pole chamber or the negative pole chamber can be taken into the electrolyte in the third chamber and recovered or eliminated.
(JP92049749-B)      Fuel cell comprises thin film layers formed in end parts of fuel electrodes and oxidiser electrodes laminated between separators. Filmy layers are formed by winding green tetrafluoroethylene resin tapes round the end parts of the electrodes.    For d-c power sources. (J60177563-A)
Plant comprises filter-press type electrolytic cells (CE) connected in series and operating under pressure, and condenser chambers (C) for condensing the steam from produced gases and connected with the cells. The cells and chambers are similar and interconnected using the same mechanical components.    Cells and chambers are cooled in the same way and are interconnected to form a unitary assembly of nearly prismatic shape. The cell electrodes can pref. be used as they are as sepg. elements in the chambers and as coolers in both cells and chambers by circulating air through passageways in the metal plate electrodes (4) folded in U-shaped around a spacer.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides compact mobile plant partic. to supply limited amts. of gases for welding or cutting or to produce therapeutic oxygen.
Electrolyte lost from a gas fuel cell during operation is replenished by adding it to the fuel and oxidant gas supply streams in the form of an atomised or vapourised dispersion. Specifically, the electrolyte is added to the fuel gas supply to the anode.    Electrolyte escaping entrained in spent gas streams is recovered by condensation and returned as above. It is pref. sprayed into the reactant gas stream and heated to vapourise it; the reactant gas stream may be (super)satd. with electrolyte.    The process is pref. continuous so that the electrolyte content of the cell is maintained constant.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simple and requires no cell modification.
A double tube structure tube filled with a catalyst is heated by a burner. Fuel passing through in the tube is reformed and is then supplied to a fuel cell. The temperature control unit consists of the following: (1) A temperature detector monitoring the temp. around the burner. (2) A temp. setting unit establishing the temperature around the burner. (3) A control unit adjusting iar volume to be supplied to the burner in accordance with the difference between the detected temp. and the established temp. when the detected temp. exceeds the established temp..    ADVANTAGE -   Adjusting air to the burner effectively prevents temperature rise around the heat source of the tube without decreasing catalyst temperature.
(JP93052030-B)      Fuel cell comprises a fuel electrode and fuel chamber formed on one side of an electrolyte layer. An oxidiser electrode and oxidiser chamber are formed on the other side. The mol. size of the electrolyte is larger than that of fuel to be fed into the fuel chamber. (J60165053-A)
Fuel cell electrode comprises a catalyst of a Gp.I or VIII noble metal carried on surfaces and among lamellar crystalline layers of a porous, conductive graphite substrate, pref. a donor-tyoe graphite intercalation cpd. obtd. from graphite and an alkali(ne earth) metal. Catalyst loading is pref. 0.1-2 mg/sq.cm of apparent surface area.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with cells contg. liq. fuels e.g. methanol, hydrazine, H3PO4 etc. Cell performance is better than with electrodes having a catalyst coating on a porous conductive substrate.
An ionisation chamber, esp. for gasoue oxygen, comprises a relatively elongated, esp. cylindrical vessel (1) with oxygen inlet at one end and outlet at the other. The anode (5) and cathode (6) are oriented transversely to the flow direction and are located one behind the other, esp. with the anode (5) downstream of the cathode (6).    Pref. both electrodes are of wire, esp. copper wire, more specifically coated with a lacquer. The applied voltage pref. does not exceed 10 kV and may be adjustable. Pref. spacing between anode and cathode is 10-50 (20) mm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the ionisation of, in particular, oxygen but also of air and other media. Applications include the treatment of normal room air or treatment of inhalation air and oxygen for medicinal purposes. In the latter case, in partic., the prodn. of ozone is a disadvantage which normally accompanies ionisation.
An electrically conductive glass is prepd. by (a) preparing in an O2-free atmos. a molten mixt. of 0.3-0.7 mole fraction alkali metal sulphide and 0.3-0.7 mole fraction sulphide of non-metallic B, Si, Ge or other gp. IIIA, IVA, VA elements capable of serving as glass networks; and (b) supercooling to below the glass transition temp. to form an amorphous solid mixt. of alkali metal sulphide and nonmetal sulphide capable of conducting ions of the alkali metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The glass has higher ion conductivity than conductive oxide glass and should be useful as a solid electrolyte in electrochemical cells or fuel cells. It has better mechanical properties than crystalline solid electrolytes and exhibits isotropic conductivity when formed into thin sheets or discs.
Porous alkali-permeable composite diaphragms for use in electrolytic cells for alkaline water electrolysis comprise a chemically inert fibrous porous matrix impregnated with a copolymer of divinylbenzene (DVB) and at least one of 2-vinylpyridine (2VP), 2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine (MVP) and 4-vinylpyridine (4VP).    Specifically the matrix is of asbestos and is impregnated by direct polymerisation of the monomers in the presence of a high-boiling solvent. The diaphragm contains 8-14 (esp. 6-20) wt.% of a DVB/MVP copolymer with a MVP:DVB molar ratio of 1-15:1, esp. 1.5-8:1.    ADVANTAGE -   The diaphragms are wettable by the electrolyte, have good resistance to mechanical and chemical abrasion, and remain dimensionally stable for long periods and at high temps. (up to 140 deg.C).
An arrangement of fuel cell stacks (12) is disposed about a central cooling duct (13) forming the fuel cell cartridge (23), all enclosed by protective containing transport vessel (30), ready for shipment to a plant for fuel cell remanufacture, or back to the power plant site for reinstallment.    A long, spaced heater (37) is pref. disposed in the central cooling duct. The heating wire (28) extends from the top of the cartridge to the bottom. The electrolyte can be concentrated phosphoric acid.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises transport costs. Facilitates lifting, handling and tie down. Simplifies disconnection and reconnection of the module to the gas connections at the site. Provides thermal protection during shipping so that the electrolyte does not crystallise. (Provisional Basic advised week 85/32)
Method comprises (1) a thermosetting resin diluted with an organic solvent is mixed with graphite powder and cellulose fibre, (2) the mixt. is moulded into a plate, and (3) it is hardened and calcined.    As the thermosetting resin, phenol resin and furan resin are useful. The resin is diluted with such a solvent as acetone or ethanol. The amt. of the solvent used is 20-200 vol. pts. per 100 vol. pts. of the resin. As the graphite powder, that contg. more than 80% of 200 mesh-through particles should be used. The content of graphite in (I) is 5-45%. The content of cellulose fibre in (I) is lower than 50 vol.%.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is used as a sepg. plate in a fuel battery. A sepg. plate in fuel battery must have a high electric conductivity, a low gas-permeability and a suitable mechanical strength. (I) has all these properties.
Cell has fuel feed and product discharge paths through a cell frame (12) in the thickness direction, the frame having annular offset sections at the inner edges on both sides with a cell element (27) and separator (29) fitted to the sections. The frame has inner packings (21) between the outer edges of element and separator and the inner faces of the offset sections.    The frame has an outer packing (23) continuously along one side of the frame at least nearer to the frame outer edge than the positions of the paths. The element pref. has an anode and cathode interleaved by an electrolyte. The inner and outer packings are pref. of rubber or thermoplastics, and the frame is of plastics.    ADVANTAGE -   completely prevents leakage of fuel into the oxidiser feed path or to the cell exterior.
In a process for operating a fuel cell power plant, hydrocarbon fuel is passed through a saturator with heated water to add steam to the fuel before introduction of the fuel into a steam reforming reactor. A fuel cell power plant (10) includes a fuel cell stack (12), fuel conditioning appts (16), a saturator (20), a heat exchanger (22) and an air flow splitter (26).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Raising steam for a steam reforming reactor integrated with a fuel cell stack and a fuel cell powerplant. No steam boilers are required to produce steam for the reactor. The steam can be raised at a higher total pressure than in a boiler heated by the same source. /1
A bipolar plate, for an apparatus constructed of one or more stacked electrochemical cells with solid electrolyte, has a current collector support consisting of a porous titanium plate (1). One side of the plate has a groove structure (3) and is welded at flat contact locations (4) to a solid non-porous titanium plate (2) so that the grooves form closed interconnected channels (5). The other side of the porous plate (1) is provided with a surface layer (6) of electro-catalytically active material.    A process for prodn. of the bipolar plate is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bipolar plate has good electrical conductivity and current distribution, has high corrosion resistance and good mechanical and chemical-thermodynamic longterm stability, is inexpensive to produce, and is gas-tight while being relatively thin. The plate may be used in electrochemical cells for H2 recovery by water decomposition or for ozone prodn.
A liquid fuel electrical cell consisting of a fuel-electrode and an oxidant-electrode uses a recirculating mixture of methanol and sulphuric acid in water. The cell performance is improved by using a separate cell to react to the fuel-concentration and using this signal to regulate the supply of additional fuel/water mixture, so as to maintain a constant concn. Figure 1 shows an arrangement of fuel tank (13) and acid tank (11) with regulator (10) and parallel bank of fuel cells (8). The sensing element used in the regulator is another fuel-cell. Figure 2 shows a regulator circuit with feedback to the fuel admixture valve. The recirculating fuel (16) flows past the fuel electrode which is separated by an electrolyte in a membrane from oxidant-electrode (2) which has a flow of air directed at its other surface. The cell-voltage is detected by (17) and converted to a valve-control signal by (18) operating via (21) on valve (19). In another construction the electrolyte between the electrodes 1 and 2 is the fuel-mixt. itself.
The energy supply system uses conversion of solar energy into electrical energy part of which is used directly for supplying the immediate domestic or industrial requirements. The remainder of this electrical energy is used to obtain hydrogen via electrolysis which is stored and used subsequently for reconversion into electrical energy.    The solar energy is obtained partly by photoelectrical conversion and partly by heat absorption to allow a central heating system to be supplied, the excess heat being stored. A further part of the solar energy is used to heat the air which is concentrated by its forward movement to obtain an air flow used to drive a turbine coupled to an electrical generator.    USE -   For providing all heating and electricity requirements of domestic levelling, office building or industrial plant.
Arrangement comprises a fuel cell and a combuster for combusting hydrogen with air to produce a gas stream comprising water vapour and N2 opt. with H2 at a concn. below the explosive limit. Appts. is provided for passing the gas stream through the fuel cell as a purge and/or as a preheater, or through a heat exchanger to provide heat to a fuel cell reactant or electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The burnt gases may be passed through the fuel cell as a purge to avoid build up of inflammable or explosive gas mixts., and can preheat or keep the cell at an elevated temp. The prior art need for a source of inert gas to purge the cell is avoided.
The thermal powered heat transfer system has two closed heat transfer loops which share a compressor which is powered alternately by the refrigerants of the two loops. This system is powered by a single heat source with a portion of the heat from that heat source transferred at a higher temperature to a structure to be heated, the balance being transferred to a low temperature external heat sink. The first loop includes an evaporator and the condenser within the structure to be heated, and is charged with a first refrigerant. The second loop includes an evaporator and a condenser located to transfer heat to an external heat sink.    The second loop is charged with a refrigerant having a lower boiling point than the refrigerant in the first loop. Controls are activated at the completion of each compressor stroke or cycle to alternately open and close valves which regulate vapour and liquid flows to cause the compressor to act with compressive force upon one or the other refrigerant vapours during each cycle of operation of the system to effect useful heat transfer.    ADVANTAGE -   A low grade heat source can be used.
Prepn. involves dissolving chromite ore and at least one kind of ferrochrome in HCl, and separating, if necessary, divalent iron contained in the solution by crystallisation. Ferrochrome of low carbon content is used. When ferrochrome is dissolved in HCl, reactions (I) are caused: When chromite ore is used, reactions (II) are caused: When ferrochrome is used, gaseous H2 is generated, and when chromite ore is used, tervalent iron oxide contained in the chromite ore must be converted to divalent iron oxide. When a mixt. of ferrochrome and chromite ori is used, generated hydrogen reduces tervalent iron oxide to divalent iron oxide and the hydrogen itself is oxidised to water. Ferrochrome of low carbon content is pref. because of its higher solubility. Considerably large amt. of divalent Fe contained in the electrolytic liq. can be separated by warming the liq. at ca. 50 deg.C and then cooling to room temp. to cause crystallisation. Thus, the concentration of tervalent Cr is increased. The separated divalent iron cpd. is reuitilized by dissolving in HCl for the positive electrode liq. of the redox cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrolytic liq. for redox cell for producing economical electric power is obtd. inexpensively.
A high vacuum pump (I) having a cryosorption pumping element (II) comprising porous carbon adsorbent (III) with a nitrogen BET apparent surface area above 1500 sq.m./g is used to adsorb H2. Pumping element (II) is coolable to cryogenic temps. e.g. below -150 deg. C. A panel assembly for pump (I) comprises a high thermal conductivity metal panel coolable by a cryogenic fluid and with porous carbon (III) mounted on the panel; (III) may be fixed to the panel by pressing or as pellets.    Pref. carbon adsorbent (III) pref. has a bulk density above 0.25 g/cc and has a cage-like structure contributing to over 60% of its surface. (III) is pref. obtd. by treating a carbonaceous feed with 0.5-5 pts. wt. hydrous KOH, precalcining the mixt. at 315-482 deg. C for 0.25-2 hrs. and then calcining under an inert atmos. for 0.33-4 hrs. at 704-982 deg. C.    ADVANTAGE -   Storage costs are comparable with either liq. H2 or bulk H2 storage e.g. in steel cylinders. (III) have higher storage capacities at high pressure compared to prior art adsorbents.
The film is made of fluorine contg. polymer as the base into which a cation exchange radical is introduced. On one or both sides of the film a mixed layer comprising electrode catalyst powder, short fibre of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, sulphonic acid and fluorine contg. binder is arranged. As an adjacent layer to the mixed layer, the electrode made of a mixt. of electrode catalyst powder and fluorine contg. polymer binder is arranged.    Suitably the ion exchange resin used in the mixed layer is in the form of short fibre which forms strong layer due to twining force of fibre.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolytic cell is used for sepn. of oxygen from the air, hydrogen sepn., fuel cell, etc. The reaction zone of the air electrode is made three dimensional, i.e. the action area is larger than the conventional system, and thus the polarity characteristics are improved and the control is made easier.
Film is composed of F-contg. polymer base with cation exchange radical introduced. Mixed layer composed of electrode catalyst powder, sulphonic acid powder of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and F-contg. polymer binder is arranged on one or both sides of the ion exchange resin film. As layer adjacent to the mixed layer, electrode composed of a mixt. of electrode catalyst powder and F-contg. polymer binder is arranged.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Appts. is used as an electrolytic cell for sepn. of O2 from air, H2 separation, fuel cell, etc. The reaction zone of the air electrode is made three dimensional, polarity characteristics are improved and the steam control is made easier.
Membrane of vinyl polymers comprises units, contg. Co complex gps. of formula (I) where R1, R2, R3, R4 each = H, -CO3, CH3O-, F- or CF3 and R5 = -CH2-CH2- or gp. (III) bonded covalently to the polymer chain.    The membrane is built up of: (a) 10-90 mol % units derived from monomers having formula (II) A = a deriv. gp. of formula (I), (b) 10-90 mol % units derived from vinyl pyridines, and opt. (c) 0-90 mol % units derived from vinyl monomers which are copolymerisable with (a) and (b).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membranes are used (i) for the sepn. of O2 from O2-contg. gases, esp. for the sepn. of O2 from air or for enriching air with O2, e.g. for firing melting furnaces and gasifying clarifying plant or fermentation processes, and (ii) as cathodes in fuel cells. The membranes have good permeability for O2, e.g. 1-4 x 10 power minus 6cc/sq.cm. sec.cm. Hg, a higher sepg. factor, e.g. over 1000, and increased service-life.
System comprises: a gas-generating electrolytic cell system; a secondary energy storage cell in contact with an electrolyte for generating the gas during charge and consuming it during discharge; a pipe connecting the two systems for supply of the gas in either direction; and a power conditioner for supplying electricity to the gas generator and the storage cell, and for receiving electricity from the storage cell during discharge and also from an external source.    Gas is pref. Cl2 and storage cell is a Zn-chloride battery stack.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As an integrated, low-cost energy storage system for chlor-alkali plant; the Zn-chloride battery stack provides supplementary power on discharge, esp. during peak periods; the battery stack is pref. charged from the external source during off-peak periods (claimed).
Fuel cell electrolyte vapour, evaporating into one or both of fuel and oxidant gases as they pass through the cell, is removed from the gas streams by (a) continuously circulating a mass of liq. water through a loop including a saturator; and (b) passing the hot exhaust gas stream to be treated through the saturator in direct contact with liq. water. The water absorbs heat and evaporates, cooling the gas stream to below the dew point of the electrolyte vapour, so the vapour condenses and dissolves into the circulating liq. The evaporated water is carried out with the gas stream, and all the acid dissolved into the circulating liq. remains in it, continuously increasing the acid conc. in the water.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is removed from the gas before it can cause corrosion damage to downstream constituents and/or before releasing exhaust gases to the environment. High acid concn., up to 50%, is permitted in the water, so disposal is much easier than in streams contg. only 10-20ppm acid. /1
A solid electrolyte in the shape of a polymer foil is coated with a catalytically active metal e.g. in the production of electrodes for the electrolytic manufacture of hydrogen by water decomposition, by impregnating it with a solution containing the metal as a salt. The foil is pulled in a distilled water cell through the gap between two electrode rollers, one with a carbon felt lining, at least once at a speed of at least 15 cm/min and max. 30 cm/min; this is followed by a second passage at between 1 and 2 cm/min. The linear current density along the line of contact is at least 830 mA/cm.    ADVANTAGE -   This produces a wear resistant, mechanically and chemically stable coating with a long-term stability and low cell voltage requirement.
A fuel cell system adapted to receive fuel having hydrocarbon content from a fuel supply, the fuel cell system comprises (a) a fuel cell including: means internal of the cell for reforming the hydrocarbon content of the fuel from the supply to produce fuel process gas; and (b) anode and cathode sections for receiving fuel process gas and oxidant process gas; and means for receiving the gas exhausted from the anode section and for sepg. from the exhaust gas fuel process gas contained in the exhausted gas to the exclusion of the other gases contained in the exhaust gas, to thereby provide sepd. fuel process gas and remaining exhausted gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell system wherein fuel process gas is more efficiently used, and in which internal reforming is used to produce hydrogen fuel process gas and wherein utilisation of the hydrogen gas is increased.
Fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell operating at a predetermined temp., including electrodes communicating with an electrolyte and a passage (s) carrying at least one process gas through the cell so each gas communicates with an electrode. The process gas(es) is provided at a selected temp. and includes a predetermined amt. of a selected constituent to retard electrolyte being carried from the cell by the process gas.    Pref. the electrode is an anode and the process gas is a fuel gas; and/or the electrode is a cathode and the gas is an oxidant gas. The selected constituent is a component of the electrolyte in vapour form. For an alkaline electrolyte, esp. alkali carbonate, the constituent includes electrolyte cations, esp. contg. alkali metal, alkali hydroxide or alkali carbonate. For an acid electrolyte, esp. phosphoric acid, the constituent includes electrolyte anions, esp. an oxide of P.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte level in the cell is maintained.
The fuel gas stream for a fuel cell is humidified by a recirculating hot liquid water stream using the heat of condensation from the humidified stream as the heat the vaporise the liquid water. Humidification is accomplished by directly contacting the liquid water with the dry gas stream in a saturator to evaporator a small potion of the water.    The recirculating liquid is reheated by direct contact with the humidified gas stream in a condenser, where water is condensed into the liquid stream. Between the steps of humidifying and condensing water from the gas stream it passes through the fuel cell and additional water, in the form of steam, is added to it.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For producing steam at a high total pressure using low grade heat, and provides an efficient process.
Carbon dioxide is blown in an aq. slurry contg. as the solid content 97-85 wt.% powder of Li oxide and/or Li carbonate and alumina and 3-15 wt.% pulp and the pH value is adjusted to 8-10. By adding a flocculating agent, the powder is adsorbed by the pulp and flocked. By paper making it is formed into a sheet-like or plate-like moulded prod. After drying, the moulded prod.is baked in an oxidising atmos., by which the wood pulp content is burnt and vaporised. Then the resulting prod. is sintered.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic porous body obtd. has excellent properties as an electrolytical tile and excellent durability.
The two electrodes of the anode are separated by a spacer such as a wire mesh. The mesh forms a passageway between facing surfaces of the electrodes. A first fuel liquid is passed through the passageway and into engagement with the surfaces. A second gaseous fuel is supplied through a conduit to another surface of one of the electrodes, the other surface being separated from the surfaces by a liquid-confining barrier.    A suitable oxidant is applied to the cathode. An electric terminal is connected, to the cathode and anode for removing electrical energy from the cell as both fuels are consumed simultaneously during their electro-oxidation in the cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Produce electricity simultaneously from gaseous and liquid fuels.
Fuel cell (1) uses lithium cobalt oxide micro particle-sintered cpd. as the electrode. The Li content X of Li Co oxide (LixCo1-xO) is 0.05-0.2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cpd. is pref. sintered at 850-950 deg.C, and the obtd. oxide has excellent corrosion resistance and electric conductivity. The cpd. is a highly active electrode material, and gives excellent electrode performance. Using the cpd. (1) has improved cell characteristics.
Liquid electrolytes are electrolysed with the formation of gas bubbles in the electrolyte in electrolysis cells which are undivided or divided by at least one partition. At least one electrode is perforated. The electrolyte flows through the cell by gravity. A gas space is left by the side of the main direction of the electrolyte flow. Pref. both electrodes or the perforated electrode and the partition are wetted by the electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For alkali chloride, hydrochloric acid and water electrolysis, electrolysis in the fused state and chlorate electrolysis. This eliminates the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effects, it reduces the effect of the overall height on the gas bubble content in the electrolyte and makes the rear space of the electrode smaller.
Liq. electrolyte is treated in electrochemical cells without or with at least one partition. A cell has at least one gas diffusion electrode and a gas space to the side of the electrolyte flow path. The electrolyte flows by gravity in a thin film through the electrochemical cell in such a way that it wets at least a part of the gas diffusion electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Pref. for gas forming or gas producing Faraday or secondary reactions (alkali chloride or water electrolysis, fuel cells, electrodialysis, organic synthesis, redox systems). This eliminates the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effects.
A catholyte regenerating appts., for use with a fuel cell having a cathode section (c) contg. a catholyte soln. which is reduced to gas and water by the fuel cell reaction, comprises (a) conduits conducting partly reduced, water-diluted catholyte and gas from the cell to a mixer (24); (b) an absorption tower (26) contg. gas-absorbing liq. solvent (s), receiving the mixt., absorbing the gas and commingling the gas-laden solvent and diluted catholyte; (d) an air supply to the mixt. from thw tower, allowing absorption of a stoichiometric amt. oxygen; (e) a catalyst packed column (40) receiving the mixt. from (d), so the oxygen and gas react with the liq. to reconstitute the catholyte and separate it from the solvent; (f) a recirculation path conducting the solvent from the catalyst column to the absorption tower; (g) a holding tank (50) and (h) conduits conducting the reconstituted catholyte from the column to the tank, and from the tank to the cathode section of the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. maintains the catholyte in balanced condition throughout long, sustained periods of fuel cell operation. It is easily and inexpensively mfd. and maintained, and easily and reliably operated.
A ribbed or corrugated separator sheet may be bonded directly to the wet seal strip because the metal powders, themselves, act as filler material in the ribbed or corrugated depressed regions of the separator plate. Further, inlet and exhaust gas porting for gas manifolds may be directly formed in the powder metallurgy formed wet seal strips. The wet seals are particularly well suited for molten carbonate fuel cells with utilise an electrolyte corrosive to ferrous metals and require high temp. operation.    The wet seals are suitable for any high temp. fuel cell, such as alkaline fuel cells using metal separator plates and acid fuel cells using carbon separators and suitably modified wet seal materials.    ADVANTAGE -   Corrosion resistant. (First major country equivalent to J60107267)
Fuel cell has anode connected with cathode through one or more electrical conductors, and the arithmetic product of the total electrical resistance between the electrodes within the cell, in ohms and the active area of the cathode in square metres is 10 power 4 to 10 (10power3 to 5) ohms m2. The anode and cathode are both embedded in a frame of electrically conductive plastic the frame being conductivity connected together. The anode and cathode may be embedded in sufficiently conductive thermosetting resin. The plastic contains carbon and/or metal particles. The fuel cell is pref. an oxygen-hydrogen cell with an alkaline electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Much better stability in time is achieved compared with otherwise identical fuel cells with a large electrical resistance between the electrodes within the cell.
Fuel cell is operated so that a stoiduometric excess amount of fuel is present at the anode relative to the amount of oxidant in the cathode chambers, the anode and cathode being electrically connected together within the fuel cell by one or more electrical conductors, the arithmetic product of the total electrical resistance between the electrodes and the active area of the cathode being 10 power 4 to 10 ohm 2.    Subsequently the external current drain is stopped and the oxidant supply is virtually stopped, one or more electrically conducting connections being maintained between the electrodes within the cell after the external current drain has been stopped, and the anode chambers are left filled with fuel.    ADVANTAGE -   The method of operation provides a profound improvement in the stability of the cells compared with the same fuel cells operated without the method.
The energy contained in metal scrap in aluminium, is recovered by circulating caustic soda through aluminium scrap lying on a grate. The energy is recovered in the shape of heat, hydrogen gas and d.c. electric power.    A container with two walls (1,2) contains caustic soda (10) which can flow around the aluminium scrap (20) on the grate (7) through a riser (4). The developed hydrogen gas can be extracted through the outlet (40). The heat developed is extracted by ah heat exchanger in the jacket; it consists of a coil of copper tubing (9) and a liq. heat exchanger medium, with an inlet (50) and outlet (51). D.C. can be obtd. from the insulated electrode (60,61) and the earthed electrode. The slide (41) is pulled to drop the residue (sodium aluminate) in the bottom chamber (30).    ADVANTAGE -   Aluminium tins, tubes and containers are available as scrap in large quantities and can now be utilised as a source of energy.
A matrix material for a molten carbonate fuel cell comprising: a fine pore, gas permeable, anode stable metal layer having a porosity of 40-50 vol.%;bonded to a matrix tape comprising a mixt. of:particles inert to molten carbonate electrolyte and less than 1 micron in size; ceramic particles greater than 25 microns; and at least 25 vol.% of a polymeric binder, the matrix tape being flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp.    The matrix tape layer pref. comprises 40-45 vol.% inert particles and at least 15 vol.% ceramic particles. The pref. inert particles are of lithium aluminate, the pref. ceramic particles are of alumina and the pref. polymer is polyvinyl butyral. The layer is pref. 3-5 mils thick.    ADVANTAGE -   The material is less fragile than known materials.
A corrosion resistant, electrically condutive, fluid impervious interface between two adjacent elements (18,21) in a fuel cell stack comprises (a) a first conductive layer (52) and a second perforate conductive layer (53) providing a bridging electrical contact between the elements; and (b) a hot pressed resin (54) bonding the layers together and to at least one element, and filling any void space between the elements.    Pref. one of the elements is adapted to contain electrolyte. Pref. one element is gas distribution plate and the other is a cooling plate or current collecting plate. The first conductive layer may serve as a gas distribution plate. Both elements are bonded to the interface.    ADVANTAGE -   The interface imparts resistance to corrosion by the electrolyte, and provides good electrical and thermal conductivity between the elements.
In a fuel cell comprising a layer build cell composed of elementary cells using phosphoric acid as electrolyte and equipped with a manifold for supplying fuel gas to the cell, the manifold is made of Cu alloy. At least one of brass, special Al bronze, white Cu, Ag, Al bronze and naval brass is used as Cu alloy.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell with a high reliability has phosphoric acid resistant manifold and is capable of preventing deterioration due to corrosion.
A molten carbonate fuel cell, operating at 1100-1400 def. F, having a catalytic anode, a cathode, a molten carbonate electrol-yte between them, and fuel and oxidant passageways, uses H2 fuel produced by (a) introducing methanol into the fuel passageway; (b) contacting the anode with the methanol in the presence of water, so at the cell operating temp. the methanol is steam reformed, producing H2, CO and CO2; and (c) oxidising the H2 at the anode to produce free electrons. The water of (b) is pref. the byprod. water formed by H2 oxidn.    ADVANTAGE -   The methanol provides an inexpensive source of H2 fuel and requires no external reforming catalyst.
H2-rich fuel gas stream for a fuel cell is prepd. from a hydrocarbon feed in a reformer having a first zone (I) comprising a monolithic body with catalytic Pd and Pt dispersed in gas flow passages, and a second zone (II) contg. a Pt gp. metal steam reforming catalyst by (a) preheating a stream of feed hydrocarbon, H2O and air having an H2O:C ratio 0.5-5 and an 02:C ratio 0.3-0.4; (b) introducing into (I) to initiate and sustain catalytic oxidn., producing H2 and COx, while maintaining (part of) the body at least 250 deg. F hotter than the inlet stream; (c) oxidising sufficient, but not all, of the hydrocarbon feed in (I) to (i) heat sufficiently to crack all unoxidised 5C+ hydrocarbons to 1-4C hydrocarbons; and (ii) heat the effluent from (I) to a temp. high enough for catalytic steam reformation of remaining hydrocarbons in (II) without supplying external heat; (d) passing the effluent to (II) to reform remaining hydrocarbons, producing H2 and COx; (e) withdrawing H2-rich gas effluent from (II).    A fuel cell, comprising a stack of anodes and cathodes, is operated by (f) passing the effluent (e) to the anode side of the fuel cell; (g) introducing an air stream to the cathode side of the fuel cell; and (h) generating electricity, H2-contg. anode vent gas and cathode vent gas in the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Normally liq. hydrocarbons, e.g. liquified petroleum gas, JP-4 fuel, No.2 fuel oil, demetallised gas oils, and ash-and metal-free coal-derived liqs., are converted to a form suitable for use in fuel cells with near 100% efficiency.
Hydrogen and oxygen generator has light absorbing semiconductor receptors supported in a hydrophilic foam and a liq. to solid junction is formed between the light absorbing semiconductors and water supplied by water vapour contained in the hydrogen and oxygen generator.    The light receptors are capable of producing an electrical current when activated by light providing hydrogen and oxygen by the decomposition of water by electrolysis. The generated hydrogen and oxygen are removed from the generator by passing through a gas permeable membrane.    ADVANTAGE -   Accumulation of debris from the water on the surface of the photo receptors is avoided.
(JP93040426-B)      Prodn. process comprises sheeting a slurry of alumina powder, Li carbide powder and wood pulp with an agglomerant to form a sheet, and baking the sheet at 500-700 deg.C..    Tile is used for fuel cells. (J60089074-A)
In producing H2 from methanol by the contact reaction between methanol and water vapour an isomolar mixt. of methanol and water vapour is used as the starting material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This process is esp. useful for producing methanol for industrial use, and as hydrogen source for fuel cell etc. The isomolar mixt. of methanol and water vapour is used as the starting material, the ratio of water and methanol in the non-reacted methanol/water mixt. remains 1:1 regardless of the reaction rate, i.e. the non-reacted mixt. can be recycled to the starting material without affecting its compsn., and the control on the fluctuation of the prod. amt. can be easily done as well as the evapn. latent heat of the water can be economised. The hy drogen prodn. cost can be lowered.
The electron affinity of one electrolyte is higher than that of the other, but the ions are both of the same polarity. It can be used as a battery, simply by connecting a load across the electrodes. Charging can be by conventional electrical means or by chemical fuel supply, e.g. the supply of gases through porous electrodes.    One version of the cell has a supply of hydrogen to one electrode chamber containing Titanium trichloride solution and a supply of oxygen to the other chamber containing ferric chloride solution. Another version includes a pumping system which recharges the cell by supplying fresh electrolyte solutions from reservoirs.    USE -   Electrically or chemically recharged accumulator.
An electrochemical generator comprises (a) an anode and cathode mounted with their facing surfaces in parallel planes spaced a predetermined distance apart; (b) an electrolyte flowing between the electrode surfaces; and (c) a drive mechanism for rotating the electrodes about an axis so that a centrifugal force is applied perpendicular to at least one of the surfaces.    The cell is operated including rotating the electrodes and the electrolyte about an axis that does not intersect the electrodes. The rotation rate is sufficient to apply the required centrifugal force and to circulate the electrolyte between the electrodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The generator is useful as a high energy density rechargeable system, e.g. for powering electric vehicles. The centrifugal force can be used to perform various functions improving operation of the cell, including improved plating, preventing flooding of gas electrodes or corrosion during charge.
The second of the two cylindrical pipes mounted in the measuring pipeline (1) is positioned lower than the first at a distance of l from d/6 to d/4, where d is the first tube's dia; and its intake holes are oriented towards the first along the flow.    The pipes (2,3) feel the full pressure through holes (4) and lesser pressure through the other holes (5), and both pipes are inserted into the measurement pipeline through packings. The measurable flow, forms the full pressure in pipe (2) with holes (4), while pipe (3) mounted in the hydro-dynamic 'shadow' receives the lesser pressure. The difference in pressure is proportional to media flow.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher sensitivity. Bul.46/15.12.84
An ion-exchange membrane, with one surface coated by catalytic electrode, using electroless plating, is immersed in water, an organic solvent, an acid, salt or base soln. or their mixt. After being swollen, the membrane is dried in such manner that its periphery is fixed. Thereafter, a catalytic electrode layer contg. electroconductive catalytic powder and a F-contg. macromolecular binder such as polytetrafluoroethylene is bonded to the uncoated surface of the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ion-exchange membrane is used in an electrolytic cell. Since the swollen membrane is dried under the restricted condition, its dimensional change becomes smaller. Consequently, the catalytic electrode is firmly bonded to the surface of the membrane.
In an electrolysis vessel in which positive polarity frames (2) filled with a liquid permeating electrode material (3), diaphragms (5), negative polarity frames (4) filled with liquid permeating electrode material (3) and sepn. plates (1) contg. electroconductive material are stacked up one after another. Each of the positive polarity and negative polarity frames is constructed of a hard quality material thicker than 1.5 mm., and the sepn. plate is thinner than 1 mm.    ADVANTAGE -   The capacity of the cell or the electrolysis vessel is improved; the sepn. plate may be made thinner, which lowers the cost, and larger-sized but still lightweight cells may be made at low cost.
An electrode reaction appts. has single cells associated with each other and comprising double-pole partition, a membrane and positive pole and negative pole chambers that are formed in chamber frames serving as spacers arranged on the opposite sides of the membrane. The current density through the surface of the membrane is up to 100 mA/cm2. The double-pole partition, the membrane and the chamber frame are joined integrally by using an adhesive or by autohesion.    Pref. the electrode reaction appts. is a double-pole partition type layer-built electrolytic cell or battery.    ADVANTAGE -   It is not required that the membrane be replaced and there is no risk of leakage of the liquid.
Solid fuel cell comprises electroconductive solid electrolyte utilising oxygen ion and of formula (ZrO2)100-x(MF3)x (where M is Y, x is 13-25 or M is Yb and x is 16-25; x is mol.%).    The solid electrolyte is prepd. by mixing crushed ZrO2 with YF3 or Yb fluoride at 1100-1400 deg.C for 3 hrs. in inert gas atmosphere. Typically (ZrO2)85(YF3)15 is obtd. from 0.85 mole ZrO2 and 0.15 mole YF3 at 1200 deg.C for 3 hrs. in Ar atmos. The electrolyte is moulded to thin film by plasma spraying, vacuum deposition, sputtering etc. and relatively thick product is obtd. by hot-pressing, rubber pressing or hot hydrostatic sintering process etc. Suitable thickness is 1 micron-5 mm. Suitable anode material is Pt, Ag, Co or perovskite such as LaCoO3, and suitable cathode material is Pt, Ag, Ni or perovskite oxide, etc.    In an example, the fuel cell is prepd. from (ZrO2)0.86(YF3)0.14 pellet glazed with Pt. When the fuel cell is inserted into an electric furnace and 50 ml. H2 gas at 1 atmos. is supplied to the inside of the furnace heated at 700 deg.C and 25 ml. O2 gas at 1 atmos. is supplied to the outside of the furnace, 0.88 V terminal voltage is obtd. at 100 mA/cm2 current density.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell comprises electroconductive solid electrolyte utilising oxygen ion capable of generating high electromotive force. Several disadvantages of conventional similar fuel cell such as requirement for molten salt and high temp. or difficulty in sealing parts of the device etc. are eliminated.
Fuel cell comprising electroconductive solid electrolyte utilising oxygen ions expressed by the general formula NdaYbFcOd (where a is 4.5-7.5, b is 7.5-7.5, c is 14-24, d is 11-6 and 3a + 3b is c + 2d; a + b is 12.    The solid electrolyte is prepd. by mixing crushed neodymium oxide with yttrium fluoride or yttrium oxide with neodymium fluoride, and heating the mixt. at 1000-1200 deg.C for 1-3 hrs. in inert gas atmos. For example, a mixt. of 1 mole Nd2O3 is heated with 2 mole YF3 at 1100 deg.C for 2 hrs. in Ar atmosphere to obtain Nd2Y2F6O3. Suitable ion proportions of the electrolyte are Y/Nd 0.5-1.67, F/O 1.27-4.    The electrolyte is formed to thin film by plasma spraying, vacuum deposition or sputtering; relatively thick prod. is prepd. by hot-pressing, rubber pressing, or hot hydrostatic sintering process. Thickness of the electrolyte is 1 micron-5 mm. Anode material is Pt, Ag, Co or perovskite such as LaCoO3. Cathode material is Pt, Ag, Ni, or perovskite oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid electrolyte utilising oxygen ions capable of generating high electromotive force is provided. Disadvantages of conventional similar fuel cell such as requirement for molten salt and high temp., or difficulty in sealing constructing parts of the device etc. are eliminated.
Fibrous material for an electrolysis diaphragm using as electrolyte an aq. soln. of potash is claimed in which the formula is derived from that of potassium octatitanate K2Ti8O17, in which the tetravalent Ti ions are partially substituted by metallic cations stable in octahedral sites which are of lower degree of oxidn. than 4. The compensation of charge being ensured by introduction of supplementary alkali ions selected from Na, K and Li.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The diaphragm is used esp. in a water electrolysis cell contg. KOH, for production of hydrogen. The material is more resistant to corrosion the KOH soln. than the asbestos fibre material used in prior art, at the temperatures of operation of up to 160 deg.C at which the operating voltage can be reduced to 1.5V with a current of 0.5 A/cm2 using a non-catalytic technique.
A plant has a compressor (18) providing relatively high-pressure O-containing gas to a fuel cell power plant (12) from a low-pressure source, a system exhausting the gas from the plant, and a circulator (24) for moving the high-pressure gas through conduits at a predetermined rate. There is a cooler (14) for rejecting heat produced by the cells.    The circulator is powered by a gas-driven motor (20) obtaining power from the gas pressure diff. within the plant or the diff. between compressor output pressure and the high gas pressure in the conduits or between the last and atmos. pressure or compression suction pressure. The cooler pref. generates steam and the cells are of phosphoric acid type.    ADVANTAGE -   Requires no steam, gas or electrical penetrations into the plant circuit and can circulate more than 1 million pounds-mass per hour through a pressure diff. of about 1 1b/in2.
A shaped body made of expanded graphite powder or body made by lamination of the shaped body, is impregnated with resin, and after the resin on the surface of the body is removed by washing, the body is hardened by heating.    Specifically, the expanded graphite powder comprises material having 0.001-0.02 g/cm3 of bulk density, shaped into plate-form (having a bulk density of 1.6-1.8 g/cm3) by pressing. The shaped body is impregnated with resin by immersion for several mins. 20 hrs. Then the surface is washed with solvent (e.g. toluene) and hardened by heating at a temp. of 50-200 deg.C.    The thermosetting resin, such as phenol resin, melamine resin, melamine-modified phenol resin, epoxy resin and furan resis, is impregnated in amt. of 0.5-10 wt.% (pref. 2-7 wt.%) in the shaped body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the partition plate of fuel cell. It has high resistance to the corrosion of electric soln. high electroconductivity and high impermeability. It is prepd. inexpensively compared with the material prepd. by the use of corrosion-resistant alloy or carbonous material.
An alkali-resistant oxide powder (e.g. ZrO2, lithium aluminate, etc.) and an alkali carbonate e.g. lithium carbonate, potassium carbonate, etc., are mixed, wetted, granulated and press-moulded at ordinary temp., followed by drying and heat treatment. The mixed powder of the alkali-resistant oxide powder and the alkali carbonate is wetted with a 40:60 - 10:90 mixt. of water and alcohol (e.g., methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, etc.) in an amt. of 2-10 wt.% on the basis of the mixed powder, or the mixed powder is wetted with the alcohol at first and then with water, and the wetted mixed powder is granulated, press-moulded at ordinary temp., dried at about 100 deg.C, and then heated to 100-500 deg.C for about 1 hour in an electric oven, followed by heat treatment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method can effectively produce electrolyte plates free of cracks and lamination and having a high homogeneity which are suitable for mfr. of fuel cells using alkali carbonates as electrolytes.
The pack is based upon battery cells (1,50) that have metallic housings (2) with a cylindrical cup shaped form. The housing has an inner (2I) and an outer (2A) element with an intermediate insulating layer (2G). The inner element (2I) is cup shaped and is produced of aluminium, while the outer element (2A) is produced from a cylinder (2H) and two discs (25) are of aluminium or titanium.    Within the cell is a solid electrolyte acting as an anode space. Between miner inner and outer housing elements there is a cathode space. The cells are constructed to allow axial expansion and are coupled together by terminal bridging strips (9A).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electrically driven road vehicles. Allows close packing without reducing cell cooling.
A rechargeable electro chemical battery (1) has a metallic housing (2) with an internal container (3) with a solid electrolyte. The housing is produced of aluminium and the size of the electrolyte (3) is selected to leave an annular space (4) that is used as a cathode region. The inside of the electrolyte is used as an anode region (5).    The cathode space is filled with an acid impregnated graphite fibre and the anode space contains an alkali metal, such as Natrium. A top container (6) acts as a supply for the Natrium and strip connectors provide couplings (8,9) with the anode and cathode. The connectors project (8A,9A) for interconnection with adjacent cells using fixing holes (10).    ADVANTAGE -   Provides bolted interconnection with small resistance.
A flat, rectangular, gas-impermeable plate is disposed between adjacent cells and has two opposite side margins folded back over one side of the plate to form two seal flanges. The other side margins are folded back over the opposite side of the plate to form two second seal flanges. Each of the seal flanges cooperates with the plate to define a channel in which is disposed a resiliently compressible stack of thin metal sheets.    The two first flanges cooperate with the electrolyte matrix of one of the cells to form a gas-permeable seal between an electrode of the one cell and one of two reactant gas manifolds. The second seal flanges cooperate with the electrolyte matrix of the other cell for forming a gas-imperbeable seal between an electrode of the other cell and the other of the two reactant gas manifolds.    ADVANTAGE -   Is resiliently compressible, and can adjust to changes in thickness to cell parts during use.
The cell is composed of a rectangular block of electrode layers situated in a sealed container. Opposite sides of the container house the entry and exit cavities for the fuel gas and the entry and exit cavities for the oxidising agent. At one side of the electrode stack run two pipes leading cooling fluid into and out of the cell respectively. Distribution pipes lead from points at the centre of the feeder tubes around serpentine loops through blocks sandwiched in the electrode stack. The cooling plates have impervious layers on each face and are regularly spaced throughout the stack.    The feeder tubes have an average hydraulic diameter equal to four times the transversal section flow area divided by the tube perimeter. The hydraulic diameter of the distribution pipes is at least three-quarters of the feeder-tube average diameter.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows hydraulic head-loss across parallel serpentine pipe lengths to be same leading to balanced heat-extraction and reduced risk of tube blocking due to accumulation of deposits in cooling fluid.
Reformer comprises reaction pipes (2,3) which cause reforming reaction of steam by heating mixed gas of natural gas and steam with catalytic action, heating means for reaction pipes, and shell body lined with insulations and contg. reaction pipes. Reaction pipes are encircled with shield tube (21) to partition reaction pipe outside heat zone (22) and discharge heat recovery zone (23). Heat exchanger (24) is provided in zone between shield tube (21) and shell body (15) lined with insulation (16), i.e. discharge heat recovery zone (23). Heat exchanger is of annular form to cover reaction pipes. Suction of steam (17) is connected to heat exchanger directory. Pipe consisting annular heat exchanger (24) is connected to pipe in which steam before mixing with natural gas passes. Outlet (19) of exhaust gas is opened to exhaust heat recovery zone (23).    Steam is conducted to heat exchanger (24), superheated by heat exchanging with hot exhaust gas (approx. 600-800 deg. C), and conducted and mixed with natural gas by ejector (13) and pressure raised. Mixed gas is sent to reformer (20) for reforming. Heat required for reaction is given by burner (11), and combustion gas from burner (11) is conducted to exhaust heat recovery zone (23) after heat exchanging with reaction pipe. Heat exchanged with annular heat exchanger (24) and discharged outside of reformer.    ADVANTAGE -   Superheating of steam required for reaction and heat recovery from combustion exhaust gas are carried out simultaneously in exhaust heat recovery zone (23) of reformer, thus there is no need to install a steam superheater and exhaust gas cooler. Fuel cell system etc. can be made compact.
The generator comprises an anode electrode having at least one surface and a cathode electrode having at least one surface. The electrodes are mounted with their respective surfaces being in parallel planes and spaced from each other by a predetermined distance with an electrolyte flowing between the surfaces of the electrodes. electrodes are rotated about an axis and adapted to cause a substantial centrifugal force to be applied to at least one of the surfaces in a direction perpendicular to it.    The rotator is also operative to rotate the electrolyte and includes a device operative at least in part in response to the rotation of the electrolyte for causing the electrolyte to circulate through a predetermined path including in part time space between the electrodes. (First major country equivalent to FI8301738)
Batteries consist of redox cells connected in series, in bipolar fashion, each with 2 electrode compartments sepd. by a membrane. The novelty is that there are flexible films (I) of nonporous graphite between the electrode compartments of adjacent cells for electrodes of different polarity.    (I) is activated on both surfaces, pref. with catalytic amts. of Pb and Au.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The individual cells can be connected in series easily and cost-effectively. The batteries are esp. useful for storing solar energy.
A method for electrochemically reacting a liq. with a gas in a cell with at least two electrodes (106, 120) sepd. by and in contact with a liq. permeable separator (112) which is porous and self-draining, comprises (a) flowing a gas into at least a portion of the pores of the self-draining electrode; (b) controllably flowing the liq. through the separator and into the electrode at a rate about equal to the drainage rate of the electrode and in a quantity sufficient to fill only a portion of the electrode pores; (c) electrochemically reating the liq. with the gas to form at least one nonvolatile prod.; and (d) removing the electrochemical prods. from the self-draining electrode.    USE -   The cell is esp. useful in chlor-alkali processes and in the prodn. of hydrogen peroxide and electrical energy, e.g. in a fuel cell.
In process part of reformed gas is branched while heat exchanging and recycled into material feed line, the mixt. is heated to be gasified, added to steam, and sent into reformer.    ADVANTAGE -   Partial pressure of methanol is reduced, which lowers vaporising temp., and heat of reformed gas can be effectively used for gasifying the material. No additional heat source is required. Heat efficiency is improved.
Steam reforming appts. for producing hydrogen etc. by reaction of steam and mixed gas using catalyst, comprises a reformer tube, an air compressor, an exhaust gas expander, a combustor, a fuel cell, a fuel treating device, and a gas-liq. separator drum.    Steam from the gas liq. separator drum, remaining after being sent for reforming, is partly sent to a steam compressor for heating the reformer, and partly to a steam turbine which drives the steam compressor.    ADVANTAGE -   Reformer is heated using low pressure steam produced in the system. No additional fuel or burner is required. Heat efficiency is greatly improved. Capacity of air feed line and fuel gas prodn. line can be small. No hazard or explosion. Lower grade reformer tube can be used.
Membrane consists of (1) a porous membrane having less than 0.1 micron micropores and (2) a polymer thin layer deposited on one of the sides of the porous membrane by plasma polymerisation. Pref. (2) is made from (3) monomers of fluorinated organic cpds. The thickness of (2) is 0.01-1.0 microns. (1) includes porous fluororesin, porous polycarbonate, porous cellulose ester, porous polypropylene membranes. (3) are benzotrifluoride, m-chlorobenzotrifluoride, hexafluorobenzene, pentafluorobenzene, pentafluorostyrene, or their mixts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for oxygen/water vapour sepn. in fuel cells, metal/air batteries, or oxygen sensors. Penetration of water vapour or CO2 gas bringing adverse effects to the air electrodes is effectively prevented.
The membrane comprises at least one surface coated with a thin layer of Cl mixt. of (1) metallic oxide fine particles and (2) water-soluble polymers.    (1) are hydrated metal oxides, metal oxides capable of absorbing oxygen, or rutile type metal oxides, including SnO2, ZnO, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, TiO2, SiO2.    (2) are polyhydric alcohols like PVA, polycellulose esters like CMC, polyamides, polycarboxylic acids, polyethers, or natural polymers like starch. The thickness of the thin layer is 10nm-10 microns. A composite membrane is formed by coating an aq. soln. contg. 2% Al2O3 and 2% PVA on one of the surfaces of a polypropylene porous membrane having 0.2x0.02 micron pores and a porosity of 38%. O2 permeability is 2.5 x 10 power -2 (ml/min cm2.cmHg); CO2 is 1.9 x 10 power -2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells, metal/air batteries, or air electrodes of oxygen sensors. Penetration of harmful gases like CO2 is effectively prevented.
Electrolyte is mixed with a hydrophobic liquid dielectric which has a specific gravity which is less than the specific gravity of the electrolyte. The liquids are conducted through small diameter conductors of dielectric material to the fuel cell sections. The liquid dielectric in the electrolytes and conductors maintain a current path in the electrolyte open and prevent the flow of shunt currents.    The liquid dielectric and electrolyte flowing from the fuel cell sections are separated and heat carried from the cell sections is removed by the liquid dielectric. The liquid dielectric and electrolyte are remixed and reintroduced into the cell sections. Portions of partially spent byproduct ladened electrolyte circulated through the anode sections of the cells are intermittently transferred to a separator in which the byproduct is removed from the spent electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient operation of battery is maintained.
When oxygen and hydrogen are connected, respectively, to a spool assembly and chambers (33 and 39) relative pressures applied to two diaphragms (14 and 15) centre the assembly if the pressures are equal or otherwise in proper relationship. Should the gas pressures become unbalanced, the spools are pushed away from the higher pressured chamber. If the spool displacement is sufficient, a valving edge (20 or 24) restricts a supply duct (18 or 22) reducing the pressure in the chamber causing re-centering of the spool assembly.    In case of major increases of pressure in a chamber a supply duct is completely shut off and a vent duct (25 or 26) is opened. The reactant supply ducts and vents are positioned relative to the spools to cause reciprocal adjustment of the gas supplies, as needed.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables use of standard regulators, valves and pressure sensors.
Carbon thin plates are obtd. by curing and calcining moulded thin plates from (1) cellulose fibres impregnated with (2) thermosetting resins, or (3) carbon fillers.    (1) are made of paper esp. filter paper with high content of fibrous cellulose. (2) are phenol, furan, or their blended resins. The moulded thin plates are cured by pressing the plates between graphite plates under 1-1000g/cm2 for 3-20 h, then calcining the cured plates with the graphite plates at 800-1200 deg.C for 50-400 h. The mixing ratio of (2)/(1) is 100/25-100/70 (100/30-100/40) by wt. (3) have a particle size of less than 74 (2-74) microns. The content of (3) is 3-25 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   The moulded thin plates have reduced crack and shrinkaqe.The formed carbon thin plates have an improved electric resistance.
A graphite separator (20) serves as both an air chamber and as a current collector, and has an air electrode (21) is disposed adjacent to it. An organic high-molecular electrolyte layer (24) is disposed adjacent to a methanol electrode (23), and another graphite separator (25) serves both as a fuel chamber and as a current collector.    Grooves are formed in one face of the separator (20) to provide air passages whilst the other separator (25) has strips (26) for sucking methanol from the tank (27) to the fuel chamber (25). The methanol electrode (23) and air electrode (21) are coated on to carbon paper or wire gauge providing corrosion resistance against acids or alkalis.    USE -   For application where liquid fuel such as methanol or hydrazine is used with gaseous oxidising agent such as oxygen or air or liquid such as hydrogen peroxide.
An alkali metal and chalcogen based electrochemical storage cell (1) has at least one cathode space (5) and an anode space (6) separated by an alkali ion-conducting solid electrolyte (3) and at least partially defined by a metallic housing (2) which serves as the current collector and which has an inner protective layer (10) in the regions which contact one of the two reactants.    The novelty is that the inner face of the housing is pickled, sprayed with a chromium-contg. soln. at a predetermined temp. to form a lower intermediate phase layer (10A) and an upper heterogenous layer (10B).
The system includes a device for pumping an electrolyte, and manifold element for conveying electrolyte to several generally comprises an outer tube formed with an outlet port at each end of it and an inner tube concentrically disposed within the outer tube generally along one-half of the outer tube length. The inner tube is in fluid communication with the pumping unit at a first end and is in fluid communication with the outer tube at a seco second end.    The inner tube also has a device associated with the second end for generally equally diverting the flow of the electrolyte through the inner tube to each of the outlet ports of the outer tube. The electrolyte circulation subsystem also includes a separate conduit in fluid communication with each of the outlet ports of the outer tube for individually distributing electrolyte from the outlet tube to generally one-half of the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For multiple-cell secondary batteries having a common electrolyte. Reduces and minimises the effect of parasitic currents in secondary batteris having several cells connected electrically in series and a common electrolyte is communication. (First major country equivalent to J60037681)
In the prodn. of an electrode membrane unit for H2/Br2 cells, consisting of catalyst (I) and a cation exchange membrane of perfluorosulphonated PTFE (II), (I) powder is suspended in a soln. of 5-15 wt.% PVC (w.r.t. (I)) in an organic, water-miscible solvent, and applied to the surface of the water-moistened membrane.    The solvent is THF and the soln. contains 1-5 wt.% PVC. (I) is Pt on charcoal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit has a firm bond between the (I) layer and the membrane, preventing flaking off during operation of the cell. The cells are useful as storage and fuel cells.
Lower alcohol (II) is added to the soln. to allow KOH (I) to ppte., and (II) is recovered from the soln..    (II) is e.g. (m)ethyl alcohol, (iso)propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, etc..    ADVANTAGE -   (I) solns. are widely used as reaction media of fuel cells, etc., carbonate formed by the absorption of carbon dioxide is effectively removed.
Electrochemical redox cell has a perm-selective ion exchange membrane which divides the cell into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, through which hydrochloric acid-contg. anolyte and catholyte liquids, respectively pass. The anode chamber contains thallium as catalyst for electrochemical catalysation of the redox process at the anode. The thallium is pref. present as an anode coating, produced directly or by addn. of a thallium salt to the anolyte liq.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is useful as a Fe-Cr type redox cell. The thallium catalyst gives a 30% increase in load capacity, and 10% redn. in hydrogen evolution compared with the lead catalyst of the cell described in WO8001221.
Cell operates at elevated temps. and which utilises same two metal couples in each of the two reactant fluids. Each fluid includes a bismuth salt and opt. lead salt. A low cost, cation permselective membrane separates the reactant fluids.
Fuel cell has reciprocal laminate of both disconnector having rib groove ( gas flow path) and element cell. Amorphous alloy protecting plate is provided on the laminate both side surfaces perpendicular to the rib groove. The amorphous alloy has formula 100-a-(Mo)a(Nb)b(Zr)b; a: b = 4 : 1 o (Ti)100-2a-b(Mo)a(Nb)a(Zr)b; a: b = 1 ; 4.    ADVANTAGE -   Side surface of the cell is sufficiently protected, so that cell property is stabilised over long period.    In an example (Ti)100-a-2b(Mo)a(Nb)n(Zr)b amorphous alloy was produced by liquid quenching, in which a : b = 4 : 1. Phosphoric acid resistance was improved by adding Mo at least 16% and adding Nb+Zr at least 4% together with Mo. The cell properties were stabilised for long period.
A controller has three vertical tubes (16,19,23) communicating (20) at their lower ends via sealing liquid and connected via pipes (14,17,21) to the cell gas outlets to introduce the gas flows from the anode (1) cathode (2) and cell container (3) into respective tubes. The outlet end (15,18,22) of each pipe is within the sealing liquid and their heights are set to correspond to given diff. pressures. The gas flows are discharged from the tube tops. Each pipe outlet and is pref. conical with apertures in the side which increase in diameter towards the lower end.    ADVANTAGE -   has no. mechanical moving parts and provides a constant diff. pressure while absorbing transient small variations in electrode pressure. (First major country equivalent to J60023976)
Photocathode comprises a p-type Si body having a catalyst of Ni, Pt, Au, Ag, Co molybdate or Ni molybdate present as islands in a total amt. about 3 monolayers. A photoanode comprises an n-type Si body, having an SiO2 film covering at least one surface with an electroconductive dopant of Pt, Pd, Ni, Co, Au, Rh, Ru or Te dispersed in the SiO2.    A photoelectric cell comprises a container contg. aq. electrolyte and photocathode and photoanode as above having a surface(s) contacting the electrolyte. The photoanode and photocathode are electrically interconnected, and light is admitted to fall on the electrolyte-contacting surfaces of photoanode and photocathode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is useful for photo-assisted electrolysis of water, using solar energy, for H2 and O2 prodn.. The photocathode has good H2 generation efficiency, about 2.0V with 2.0V applied voltage, good stability and low cost. The photoanode has better than conventional stability and lower cost.
The fuel cell comprises an oxidising agent electrode formed of an oxidising agent electrode catalyst and a conducting agent, and a fuel electrode. A solid electrolyte is disposed between the two electrodes, and housings supply oxygen to the oxidising agent electrode and hydrogen to the fuel electrode.    The cell is characterised by the solid electrolyte being one member selected from the group consisting of 12-molybdophosphoric acid and 12-tungstophosphoric acid. The oxidising agent electrode catalyst is copper oxide. (First major country equivalent to J60020468-A)
Electrochemical conversion is used at both sending and receiving ends to accept electrical energy and to deliver electrical energy. The transmission and storage medium used is an oxide or salt of a armetal.    An electrolysis cell (10) is supplied with direct current to produce the pure metal by an electrochemical process. The metal can be stored or electromagnetically transported (14,16,18) as required to a fuel cell (20) where it is transformed to an oxide or hydroxide and generates electrical energy (30) which is converted to alternating current by a thyristor inverter (30). The preferred metal for this application is aluminium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Permits energy storage during off peak times in power distribution network and offers an alternative form of energy transmission.
The device has a heat exchanger piping sandwiched between a pair of temp. control plates in heat exchange relation. The plates have reaction gas conduits on surfaces opposite to confronting surfaces. A circulation piping contains a heat medium and is hermetically connected to piping located outside of the control plates for providing a closed piping system.    The circulation piping contains a sealed-in heat medium so that a portion of the inside space of the circulation piping is left for a gaseous phase of the heat medium. Heat exchangers are provided to the outside piping to effect exchange with the medium in the piping, which is pref. flexible.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids use of external motive force for circulating heat medium.
The barrier, having metal oxide uniformly distributed throughout its pores and at least one face free from metal oxide, is mfd. by (a) providing a porous sintered plaque of an Ni, Cy, Ni-Cu alloy or Ni alloy contg. up to 10 wt.% Cr, having a median pore size 1-10 micron and a pore vol. 40-75%; (b) immersing in a fluid organo-metallic precursor for an oxide of Al, Ti, Fe, Zn or Ce; (c) subjecting to vacuum to evacuate the pores and fill them with the fluid; (d) removing fluid from at least one face of the plaque; (e) infiltrating the plaque with water or steam to hydrolyse the precursor within the pores; (f) firing at less than 600 deg.C and above the decomposition temp. of the hydrolysed prod. to form the metal oxide; and (g) firing at 600-700 deg.C to remove any water; with both firings in a reducing atmos. at about atmospheric press. under non-deleterious conditions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bubble pressure barrier is useful in prodn. of electrodes for molten carbonate fuel cells haVing an integral bubble pressure barrier. The small pores fill with electrolyte to prevent cross leakage of electrolyte if the cell tile fails. The tile may be integrally contacted and of reduced thickness, reducing internal resistance.
The fuel cell core, for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant for galvanic output, comprises an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls, each comprising a thin layer of electrolyte (37) or interconnect (39) material respectively, sandwiched between a layer of anode material (30) and a layer of cathode material (32). Separate sections of electrolyte walls are arranged between separate sections of interconnect walls to define core passages alternately having faces of only anode or only cathode materials, for passage of fuel or oxidant respectively.    The core is mfd. by separately depositing anode, cathode electrolyte and interconnect materials onto deposits of like material, to simultaneously build up all the electrolyte and interconnect walls along their length, i.e. axially of the core passage. The deposits are made using templates in the required core pattern, with repetitive application of the sequence of separate materials. The deposited structure is heat cured to fuse materials and deposits togehter, forming a monolithic dimensionally stable core.    ADVANTAGE -   The core passageways can be formed with virtually any cross section, however, complex. The passageways may be small and walls thin, for short current paths, reduced resistance and min. diffusion losses.
(JP93027230-B)      Fuel cell comprises a pair of collecting plates contacted with a fuel side electrode and oxidiser side electrode. The collecting plates are porous metal mats made by sintering fibrous metal compacts.    Used for fused carbonate electrolyte type cells. (J60014769-A)
(JP93060236-B)      Producing sealant for sealing end of fuel cell comprises rolling a mixt. of a fine powder filler, fine powder bulk material, solvent and fluororesin powder into a sheet, then heat treating it to remove the bulk material.    USE -   Used for making matrix type fuel cells. (J60014766-A)
A cell stack includes substacks and cooling plates between neighbouring two substacks. Each substack comprises unit cells. Bipolar plates each have fuel channels and process air channels and arranged between two unit cells. The cells and bipolar plates are arranged in a stack and electrically connected in series.    A process air inlet manifold is mounted on one peripheral face of the cell stack where inlets of the process air channels are opened. A cooling air manifold is mounted on the manifold. The cooling plates extend from the peripheral face of the cell stack and pass through the process air manifold so that the cooling air passages provided are communicated with the cooling air manifold.    ADVANTAGE -   Little modification of DIGAS fuel cell system required. (First major country equivalent to J60012673)
(JP93050104-B)      Fused carbonate type fuel cell comprises a layer of composite oxide composed of Li and conductive metal formed on the surface of a collector attached to one face of an oxidiser electrode formed on one side of an electrolyte holder.    USE -   For energy sources substituting for petroleum. (J60012670-A)
The hydrogen storage unit has a body (1) which contains metal hydride, hydrogen supply and removal pipelines with locking element (3) and indicating appts (7). The unit is provided with a holder (4) made of non-magnetic non-conducting material. Holder (4) cavity is connected to the accumulator cavity and is filled with metal hydride. A solenoid (5) is placed on the holder and is connected through the signal amplifier (6) to the indicating appts (7).    In order to load the unit it is connected through the locking element (3) to the hydrogen source. The hydrogen is absorbed by the metal hydride. The heat produced is removed by coolant circulation in heat exchanger (2). The metal hydride hydrogen content variation changes its magnetic properties which, in turn, causes a signal to appear in appts (7).    ADVANTAGE -   Increased operating reliability. Bul.28/30.7.84
(JP92021988-B)      Fuel cell comprises unit cells and separator sheets alternately laminated; the separator sheet having thick-walled rib-like partition parts rising from the side edges of the upper and lower sides of the sheet.    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J60100565-A)
A fuel cell comprises (i) a pair of spaced apart gas diffusion electrodes; (ii) a porous electrolyte-retaining matrix confined in the space between the electrodes, the matrix having a porosity of at least 38% and consisting of 70-90 wt.% silicon carbide and a balance of polyether sulphone as binder; and (iii) phosphoric acid electrolyte disposed within the matrix.    Pref. the polyethersulphone consists essentially of repeating units -p-C6H4-SO2-p-C6H4-O- and has a number ave. mol. wt. of at least 17,000, esp. at least 25,000. The electrolyte-retaining matrix pref. comprises 70-90 wt.% silicon carbide and 10-20 wt.% polyethersulphone.    ADVANTAGE -   The porous silicon carbide/polyethersulphone materials have improved strength and good wettability and bubble pressure characteristics compared to prior art materials.
The appts. comprises a housing defining chambers including a generator chamber and a combustion products chamber. A porous barrier separates the generator and combustion products chambers. Elongated annular fuel cells each have a closed end and an open end, the open end disposed within the combustion product chamber, the cells extending from the open end through the porous barrier and into the generator chamber. A conduit for each cell extends into a portion of each cell disposed within the generator chamber. The combustion product chamber has an exhaust which penetrates the housing.    A manifold supplies the first gaseous reactant to the conduits. The manifold comprises a support and by-pass for providing support of the manifold within the housing while allowing combustion products from the first gaseous reactant and a second gaseous reactant to flow past the manifold tot he exhaust. The second gaseous reactant is flowed into said generator chamber.
Membranes comprise (1) one layer contg. cation exchange gps. on pendant chains and (2) other layer contg. anion exchange gps. on the pendant chain, and (3) main chain comprising perfluoro-carbon polymers.    Pref. cation exchange gps. include sulphonic acid gps. and/or carboxylic acid gps. and the anion exchange gps. include quat. ammonium gps. Pref. (1) and (2) comprise repeating units of formula (I) and (II) respectively. (X is F or CF3; Y is SO3M or COOM (M: an alkali metal); l : 0 or 1-5; m: 0 or 1; n: 1 or 2-5; p and q: positive numbers, p/q: 2-16; Z: a quaternary ammonium gp.-contg. gp.). (1) and (2) are pref. 5-300 micron thick. The membranes are plane film or tubular.    ADVANTAGE -   The membranes resist repetition of drying and swelling and are not released and have chemical and solvent resistance. They are used as separators for fuel batteries and for hydrolysis of salt solns.
15-23 pts. wt. heat-curable resin initial condensn. prod. having benzene or furan rings in its basic structuring molecule (e.g., phenol resin, furan resin etc.) is added and kneaded with 100 pts. wt. graphite micropowder (real specific gravity of at least 2.20, heat expansion coefft. of up to 4.0 deg. C x 10 power 5 microns). The resulting mixt. is hot-pressure moulded by (pref. at 120-270 deg. C and 100-800 kg/cm2), and burned in an inert atmos. The particle size of the graphite micropowder is pref. up to 100 mesh and the heat-curable resin initial condensation prod. pref. has at least 40% carbon residue. The heat pressure moulded body is pre-heated at 180-300 deg. C in air before burning.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The obtd. gas impermeable carbonaceous material is used as a separator for phosphoric acid type fuel cells, chlorine/zinc type sec. cells, etc. or as structuring material for various chemical instruments.
The parent patent describes prodn. of a tungsten carbide-activated electrode (esp. a cathode), comprising an electrically conductive support material of graphite or similar material with a surface active layer of tungsten carbide, adhesively bonded to the support material by chemical reaction. The prodn. process involves applying tungsten oxide or a thermally decomposable precursor of tunsten oxide onto the support, and then converting the applied layer to tungsten carbide by opt. thermal decompsn. redn. and carburisation.    In this patent of addn., the tungsten oxide-coated support is carburised at 620-950 (pref. 750-950) deg.C in a flowing CO/CO2 atmos.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is useful as a cathode for hydrogen prodn. by electrolysis of a sulphuric acid soln. opt. with simultaneous anodic oxidn. of SO2. It has higher activity than electrodes made by the parent patent process.
The fuel cell comprises (a) a cathode of electrically conducting or semiconducting La-contg. material catalytic for the cathode reaction; (b) an electrolyte contd. in a matrix of La perovskite material; and (c) an anode. In an embodiment using a cathode of LaMnO3, the electrolyte matrix may be formed of LiAlO2 or Li2TiO3.    Pref. the cathode material is LaNiO3, LaMnO3, La2NiO4 or LaCoO3. The electrolyte matrix is LaAlO3 or mixed La-Ti oxides. The cell uses conventional molten carbonate electrolyte, e.g. eutectic mixt. of 62 mole.% Li2CO3, 38 mole.% K2CO3, m.pt. 491 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix materials avoid decompsn. of the La contg. cathode catalyst, providing stable fuel cell operation at 1250 deg. F or above.
An electrolytic cell has two electrodes of opposite plarity sepd. by a porous electrolyte medium. Respective manifolds provide reactive fluids to the electrodes.    A sealing arrangement includes transition frames engaging marginal surfaces of the porous medium and extending outwardly to circumscribe the manifolds. Sealing rings are disposed between the respective transition frames.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement may be used with a stack of fuel cells using molten carbonate salts as electrolyte for electric current generation. The sealing system prevents cross-leakage of reactant gases, e.g. air and hydrogen, between the two manifolds.
A fuel cell core having parallel and cross flow passageways for fuel and oxidant comprises (a) spaced parallel electrolyte walls, each comprising a sheet of solid electrolyte material sandwiched between anode and cathode materials; and (b) interconnect walls arranged between adjacent pairs of electrolyte walls and cooperating with them to define the flow passageways, each comprising a wavy sheet of inert material having small spaced plugs of contact material through it, sandwiched between anode and cathode materials so the spaced plugs interconnect anode and cathode materials.    Each wavy interconnect sheet contacts the adjacent electrolyte walls along spaced parallel linear contact areas to define one tier of parallel flow passageways for fuel and oxidant gas. Alternate tiers have flow passageways in orthogonal direction. Solid mechanical connections are provided between interconnect walls of adjacent tiers on opposite sides of a common electrolyte wall only at point-like contact areas where the linear contact areas cross one another.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure minimises the adverse effects of differential thermal expansion of the materials. Manifolding of fuel and oxidant gases to the stacked tier array of flow passages is facilitated.
Electrode for electrolysis of molten salts comprises a cermet body having an upper metal-rich portion contg. a cavity into which a lead-in conductor is brazed, and a lower portion of lower metal content. The lower portion may be an extension of the upper portion, or may be in the shape of a trough (if rectangular) or a cylinder or cup (if circular) having vertical walls protruding upward from a base section.    Pref. the metal-richte portion contains (in vol%); Cu, Ni, Fe, Cr or an alloy of these 30-80, and a ceramic component 20-70; and the portion of lower metal content contains; same metal 10-25 and a ceramic component 10-25.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in Hall-Heroult cells, esp. for dimerisation of acrylonitrile, and other metal-producing cells, and also in fuel cells. Electrode facilitates a brazed, low-resistance connection at one end, and high corrosion resistance at the electrolyte-contacting end.
A cooler comprises a plate (2) with both faces grooved (4,12) to carry cooling gas, and two outer plates (3,11) each with one flat face which abuts the first plate to form flow channels with the grooves, and with its outer face having grooves (7,15) shallower than those of the first plate and carrying process gas. All plates are of carbonised material.    The grooves in one face of the first plate are pref. designed to provide a given amount of cooling, and those in the other face the remaining cooling required. The plates are formed initially e.g. from graphite/resin material. The plate assembly can be supported in a stack without adhesive, or with adhesive bonding applied to the plate sides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for fuel cell stack, eliminating misalignment problems and attendant losses in conductivity and change in gas flow.
A potentiostat which functions as a self-afdsdjustable load in combination with a fuel cell comprises an input electrometer circuit measuring potential between ref. electrode and cell working electrode, and a variable ref. offset voltage source circuit preselecting a potential for the working electrode and algebraically combining the electrometer output potential with the selected potential to produce a diff. signal between actual working electrode and selected potentials.    The signal is passed through a voltage amplifier circuit to a dynamic load circuit and the impedance of the dynamic load is regulated to adjust the half-cell potential of the working electrode to the selected level. The potentiostat can also be used with a battery cell.
Fuel is catalytically cracked at less than 30 Torr pressure and 250 deg. C to manufacture a synthesised gas containing H2 and CO as the main components. H2 gas as a main component is sepd. from the synthesised gas, and the H2 gas or high H2 content gas supplied as the fuel for a fuel cell. The gas containing CO, CH4, etc. removed in the sepn. step is employed as a heat source required in the above catalytic cracking reaction step.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas is employed as fuel for a motive force converting device other than the fuel cell and the thermal energy from the device is employed as a heat source for the catalytic cracking reaction. Provides a simple and economical treatment of the fuel.
Electroconductive material comprises the solid electrolyte material of the formula of (ZrO2)100-x(MF3)x in which when M is Y, x is 13-25% mole, and when M is Yb, x is 16-25% mole.    ADVANTAGE -   The electroconductive material has a higher ionic electroconductivity than that of a conventional solid electrolyte, and the sintering temp. is lower than that of a conventional solid electrolyte.    In a highly pure Al tube mixt. of 0.87 mole of ZrO2 powder and 0.13 mole of YF3 powder was heated at 10 deg.C/min. to 1200 deg.C and held there for 3 hr. in an argon atmos. It was then cooled to 100 deg.C in 3 hr. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the prod. was a single phase solid soln. having the compsn. of Zr87Y13 F39O174., and the electroconductivity was 1.0 x 10 (power minus 4) mho/cm at 650 deg.C.
Fuel cell (I) is operated in combination with chemical prod. forming electrochemical cell (II) by: converting the current and voltage output of (I) to match the operating current and voltage of (II); and supplying the converted current and voltage to (II). Pref. the chemical prod(s) of (II) provide at least part of the fuel for (I); heat from (I) may also be used in the process of (II).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Appts. comprising (I), (II) and an electrical converter is also claimed.    Specifically where (II) is a chlor-alkali cell and (I) is an H2 fuel cell. In another typical use, (II) is an adiponitrile cell which produces O2 for use in (I). Method results in high electrical efficiency by allowing (I) and (II) to operate under their prefd. voltages and currents independent of each other. By-prods. from (II) may be used in (I).
The cell includes an elongated casing having (a) an anode compartment at one end contg. fluid BO fuel gas; (b) a liq. compartment (L) adjacent the anode contg. fluid anolyte; (c) an ion exchange compartment contg. a fluid ionolyte; and (d) a cathode compartment at the other end of the casing contg. fluid cathode fuel (oxidant); (e) an anode plate (Ap) between and sepg. BO gas and anolyte, including an electron collector coextensive with the interface between BO and anolyte carrying a catalyst material and connected with a terminal for coupling to an external circuit, and a gas permeable hydrophobic membrane at the interface between and sepg. the BO from the catalyst; (f) a cationic membrane (Mc) between the anolyte and ionolyte; and (g) a cathode plate (Cp) between and sepg. the ionolyte and cathode fuel, including an electron distributor coextensive with the interface between ionolyte and cathode fuel connected with a terminal for coupling to the external circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell provides high power operation, with a theoretical net cell voltage 5.995V using H2O2 cathode fuel or 5.448 using O2 as cathode fuel. B has low at. wt. 10.811, and can provide 44,600.7 kW/kg.
Generator comprises duplex reaction tubes in the shell of the hydrogen generator. Each tube consists of an inner tube and an outer tube and exhausts a high-temp. reaction product gas. The reaction prod. gas flows through each inner tube. A cooling medium is filled in the space between each inner and outer tube to cool the reaction prod. gas. A catalyst layer is provided in each inner tube and coverts carbon monoxide contained in the reaction product gas into hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Generator both recovers heat from high-temp. reaction prod. gas and converts the CO in the gas into H2.
Sec. battery consists of an anode and a cathode, either or both of which comprises a polymer (I) having conjugated unsaturation along its backbone chain and which is electrochemically oxidisable to a p-type doped material and electrochemically reducible to an n-type doped material; and an electrolyte comprising a protic solvent (II) and at least one ionic dopant (III) capable of doping (I) to a conductive state.    Pref. (II) is water, alcohols or amines. (I) is pref. polyacetylene or polyphenylene. (III) is an anion, e.g. halide, polyhalide, ClO4, PF6, HSO4, AsF6, AsF4, SO3CF3 or BF4; or a cation e.g. a metal with Pauling electronegativity less than 1.6 (esp. Li), or an organic cation of N, P, As, O or S. When not made of (I) the anode is pref. an alkali metal or Pb. When electrodes are both of (I) the anode is n-doped to a reduced state compared with the cathode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sec. batteries may be obtd. having good reversibility, life times, power and energy densities, and overall coulombic efficiency. The battery is ''charged'' by passing current through the cell to effect doping of (I), the reverse discharge providing electric current and returning (I) to a less doped state. Likewise the allied fuel cells generate current by electrochemical oxidn. of the fuel and redn. of the oxidising agent. Operation in reverse provides an electrolytic cell.
Electrolysis appts. for electrolysing water to produce oxygen and hydrogen at separate outlets comprises a number of electrode plates which are spaced apart to form a cell between each pair of adjacent plates. A gas impervious diaphragm is located between each pair of plates dividing the cell into oxygen and hydrogen generating sections.    A duct extends horizontally through the cells, connecting the oxygen generating cells together, at one end to an electrolyte inlet and at the other to an oxygen outlet. In a similar manner another duct extends through the cells, connecting the hydrogen generating cells together, at one end to an electrolyte inlet and at the other to a hydrogen outlet.    ADVANTAGE -   It is not necessary to provide two connections to the exterior of each cell section (one for electrolyte and one for generated gas).
Control system for an endothermic fuel reforming reaction comprises: fuel gas and steam feed controls; a reformed gas flow control, means for detecting the rate of change of the external load; and a reaction pressure controller responsive to the rate of change of load, the pressure being controlled below a preset steady-state value when the rate of change of load is outside a predetermined range.    Load change is pref. determined as a change in rate of current output from the fuel cell. Reaction pressure control is obtd. by computing a preset value for the reformer from signals obtd. from the rate of load change detector and the reaction pressure detector.    ADVANTAGE -   Constant temp. control is achieved in the reaction, enhancing the efficiency of the system. (First major country equivalent to J59213601-A)
Single component cell for an H3PO4 type fuel cell comprises: an oxidant electrode and a fuel electrode each having a catalyst layer; a matrix between the catalyst layers of both electrodes comprising an H3PO4-resistant inorganic powder (I): and a Zr phosphate buffer layer between the matrix and at least one of the catalyst layers.    ADVANTAGE -   Buffer layer prevents the catalyst layers from being damaged by the matrix. (First major country equivalent to J59211968-A)
Each electrolyte plate (1) is of solid oxide (3), having a coating (4) of porous oxidiser electrode on one surface and a coating (5) of porous fuel electrode on the other surface. Each conductor plate (2) has a groove network (6) of gas passages on each surface, defined by ridges (7) which electrically contact the electrode coatings on the electrolyte. The conductor plates also have circumferential ridges along their edges defining gas seals and contacting coatings on the electrolyte plates having the same compsn. as the electrode coatings. Electrical connections are provided to tap electricity from, or introduce electricity into, the converter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The converter may be operated as a fuel cell (electricity generator) or an electrolyser (fuel synthesiser). It is rugged in operation and handling, flexible in fuel and oxidant selection and provides low electrical or fuel losses.
High temp. electrochemical cell configurations comprise a number of axially elongated annular cells, each having annular inner and outer electrodes (26, 36) with an electrolyte (30) between them. A discontinuity is provided in the outer electrode and electrolyte through which a conductive interconnect (34) contacts a segment (32) of the inner electrode (28) along a selected axial length, while being electronically isolated from the outer electrode. The cells are positioned adjacent each other with conductive insert (40) between adjacent cells, so the cells are connected in series, with the inner electrode of one cell coupled to the outer electrode of an adjacent cell through the conductive interconnect and conductive insert. In some configurations, selected cells are connected in parallel, with their outer electrodes coupled through the conductive inserts.    A fuel cell structure for such a configuration comprises (i) an axially elongated porous support (26); (ii) a first electrode (28) surrounding an axial portion of the tube; (iii) a gas tight electrolyte (30) partly surrounding the first electrode as an axially extending radial segment; (iv) a conductive interconnect (34) in the segment, coupled to the first electrode; and (v) a porous second electrode (36) partly surrounding the electrolyte and spaced from the interconnect.    ADVANTAGE -   The configurations provide densely packed cells, with interconnects between elongated surface for high reliability and low ohmic losses. The cell assembly provides desired voltage and current.
The manifolds (3-1,3-2) serve as input and output manifolds for a first process gas derived from a first supply (21) and preheated by a heat exchanger (23). This gas is carried through the cell (2) via electrolyte-communicative passages (5) having a Z-path arrangement. Other manifolds (4-1,4-2) in turn, serve as output and input manifolds for a second process gas derived from a second supply (22). This gas is carried through the cell (2) via electrolyte communicative passages (6) also having a Z-path configuration.    To tool the cell, a third set of input and output manifolds (7-1,7-2) independent of other manifolds is provided. These manifolds communicate with faces (2-3,2-4) of the cell respectively, and serve as input and output manifolds for cooling gas passing through a third set of electrolyte-isolated passages (8).    ADVANTAGE -   Only two gas streams are required; one for the second and third passages and another for the first passage. When the second supply serves the third input manifold, the second input manifold, and thus the second electrolyte-communicative passage, receive undiluted process gas. A more efficient and less complicated system results.
A system comprises a fresh water subsea electrolyzer coupled to a fresh water source sufficiently above the sea surface to provide the required pressure, and a wave-powered generator providing electrical power directly and only to the electrolyzer. A subsea storage vessel has a bottom aperture to admit sea water and has an inlet conduit from the electrolyzer and an outlet conduit from vessel to shore.    The outlet conduit has its end in the vessel so that pure gas under pressure determined by vessel depth is delivered onshore. The source may be designed to receive rainwater and is connected to the electrolyzer by a water-filled standpipe. The generator may have a tethered floating helix automatically aligned with wave propagation direction and coupled to a generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Alimination of freshwater pumping increases efficiency.
Cathode waste gas (15) and supplementary fuel (15) are pre-mixed through orifice plate (37) and fed into gas intake chamber (31) for combustion in 1st stage of catalistic combustion layer (33). Anode waste gas (12) is flame combusted in combustion chamber (34) using nozzle tube (35). Unburnt combustible compsn. is combusted completely in 2nd stage catalytic combustion layer (36). Hot air of predetermined temp. is produced. Reaction tube charged with reforming catalyst (23) is heated by high temp. gas from hot air generator. Ceramic balls (38) are charged for improving heat transfer efficiency. Raw material hydrocarbon to be reformed is mixed with steam and becomes mixed with mixed gas (27) and fed into reaction tube (44), improved on catalyst (23) becomes a hydrogen rich reformed gas (28) and is sent to convertor through reformed gas collector pipe (42).    ADVANTAGE -   Clearance between reaction tubes can be made smaller because reaction tubes do not interfere heat radiation each other, compared with conventional flame burner type, which allows the system to make more compact. No cracks, occur on tubes due to local deformation by heat stress, because tube surface are heated uniformly. Further, no hot spot occur because supplementary fuel is premixed with cathode waste gas and combusted in catalyst. Cost of power of air compressor can be reduced by 1/3, because cathode waste gas has two times the amt. of O2 than air.
A process for converting a lignocellulosic material into a reconstituted composite prod. comprises (a) treating the lignocellulosic material in divided form with steam to heat the material to a temp. high enough to release hemicellulose but not exceeding the temp. of carbonisation, for a time sufficient to decompose and hydrolyse hemicellulose into free sugars, sugar polymers, dehydrated carbohydrates, furfural prods. and other decompsn. prods.; (b) forming the treated lignocellulosic material into a mat and pressing the mat at a temp. not exceeding the temp. at which the mat would char, at a pressure and for a time sufficient to transform and thermoset the free sugars, sugar polymers, dehydrated carbohydrates, furfural prods. and other decompsn. prods. in the lignocellulose materials into a polymeric substance which adhesively bonds together the lignocellulosic material to yield the reconstituted composite prod.    ADVANTAGE -   Process allows prodn. of reconstituted composite prods. such as panel boards, composite timber, moulded articles, etc., without using synthetic resin binders, and using any lignocellulosic materials regardless of origin, species, source, form and shape, esp. residues from agricultural crops in the form of trunk, bark, stalk, root, foliage, shell, pod, straw, husk, nut, etc.
Biogas prodn. with integrated microorganism growth for anaerobic microbiological utilisation of aq. dispersions contg. organic material is carried out in a single reactor but with the multiplication of microorganisms and treatment of the dispersion being kept sepd..    An appts. for the process is also claimed. It consists of a reactor, as conventionally used to treat dispersions in waste water or waste prod. treatment, which is fitted with devices (which do not extend into the dispersion) serving as growth surfaces for anaerobic organisms.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method can be applied to liq. manures, slaughterhouse waste, excess sludge from water purification etc. to prod. biogas and a high-value natural fertiliser. Compared with known processes, this method is quicker and can tolerate higher substrate concn.
Internal combustion engine having combustion chambers is operated on a methanol fuel by (a) heating some of the methanol to vapourise part of the fuel; (b) heating some of the vapourised methanol to below 400, pref. 320-350 deg.C., to decompose the vapourised methanol; (c) passing some of the vapourised methanol at a decomposition temp. over a catalyst chosen from a Pd catalyst contg. 0.05-1.0, pref. 0.2 wt.% on a substrate; a Pt/Pd catalyst with Pt/Pd ratio of 4:1 to 1:4, pref. 2:1, present on a substrate as 0.05-1.0, pref. 0.1 wt.% percent, or a Pt/Rh catalyst with Pt/Rh ratio of 20:1 to 1:1, pref. 11:1 to 5:1, present on a substrate as 0.05-1.0, pref. 0.1 wt.%; to decompose part of the vapourised methanol fuel into hydrogen and carbon monoxide; (d) injecting the vapourised methanol fuel and its decomposition products into the combustion chambers of the I.C. engine along with oxygen, and opt. additional methanol; (d) burning the fuel and decomposition products; and (e) exhausting the burnt gases and, opt. using the exhaust gases to preheat the fresh methanol to the decomposition temp.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved anti-knock properties leading to higher usable compression ratios, e.g. 8.5:1 up to 14:1; and improved efficiency from higher operating temps.
An electrochemical cell for the prodn. of oxygen and hydrogen from water consists of a container for theelectrolyte with a cathode and an anode. The anode consists of lanthanum nickelate (LaNiO3).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogen is a fuel and a raw material in the fertiliser, metallurgical and petrochemical industries. Oxygen is also used in industry. The anode material is such that it is stable and does not deteriorate jet is relatively cheap and allows a high current density.