Accession Number:

AD0270212

Title:

STUDY OF ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

MSA RESEARCH CORP CALLERY PA

Personal Author(s):

• Ciarlariello, T. A.
• McDonough, J. B.
• Shearer, R. E.

Report Date:

1961-09-14

Pagination or Media Count:

82.0

Abstract:

Prior experiments showed the feasibility of alkali and alkaline earth metalmolten salt electrolytehydrogen gas electrochemical cells. These cells produce metal hydride, heat and electric power. Batch regeneration of a calcium-hydrogen cell was demonstrated. Regenerative cells were tested. The major difficulties noted were the plugging of the circulating salt lines, the low dissociation pressure of LiH in dilute solutions, and an electric cell- shorting effect arising after long operation. Various molten salt electrolytes were tested. Low melting point eutectic salts containing Na, Rb, Cs, K, and Li were found. Fluorides, bromides, and chlorides were found to be the best electrolytes. Borohydrides and iodides were not satisfactory. Various hydrogen electrodes materials were tested. The best electrodes consisted of mesh electrodes or sintered porous discs. The dissociation of LiH over molten salts was determined, and the LiH content of various cell electrolytes was measured. The feasibility of the electrochemical cell, and of the hydride dissociation was demonstrated. However, the complete regenerative system has not been reduced to practice.

Descriptors:

• *ELECTROCHEMISTRY
• *ELECTROLYTIC CELLS
• *FUEL CELLS
• *POWER SUPPLIES
• ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
• REGENERATION(ENGINEERING)
• ELECTRODES
• HYDROGEN
• SODIUM
• HYDRIDES
• HALIDES

Subject Categories:

• Energy Storage

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE