Capillary mixing of immiscible liquids in a battery cell
US4945013A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The conduction of sulfur toward, and reaction products away from, the electrolyte of a sodium sulfur storage cell is accelerated by providing a bimodal capillary in the cathode. The capillary preferably consists of graphite fibers, otherwise present to conduct electricity through the cathode, arranged in a bimodal distribution. Closely spaced fibers preferentially draw the reaction product of the electrical discharge away from the electrolyte by capillary action. Open spaces between groups of closely spaced fibers permit sulfur to flow toward the electrolyte. The capillary mixing technique permits rapid discharge of the battery cell even under weightless conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.