Alkaline Battery Operational Methodology

摘要

Methods of using specific operational charge and discharge parameters to extend the life of alkaline batteries are disclosed. The methods can be used with any commercial primary or secondary alkaline battery, as well as with newer alkaline battery designs, including batteries with flowing electrolyte. The methods include cycling batteries within a narrow operating voltage window, with minimum and maximum cut-off voltages that are set based on battery characteristics and environmental conditions. The narrow voltage window decreases available capacity but allows the batteries to be cycled for hundreds or thousands of times.

主权项

1. A method of operating an alkaline battery comprising the steps of:
a) providing an alkaline battery; b) measuring ohmic impedance, R and non-ohmic impedance, β of the battery; c) determining an initial voltage operating window that has a voltage maximum, Vmax, and a voltage minimum, Vmin, using the following:
Vmax operation=Vmax+I*R+βVmin operation=Vmin−I*R−β; where R is ohmic impedance and β is non-ohmic impedance and Vmax and Vmin are given by:
Vmax=Vmax at rate−I*R−β Vmin=Vmin at rate+I*R+β; and d) operating the battery within the initial voltage operating window.