| 摘要 |
A method is disclosed operating a nickel-hydrogen battery when the battery is less than fully charged. Specifically, battery recharge is completed at a temperature T1, in the range of approximately -10 DEG C. to -30 DEG C., which is lower than a temperature T2, in the range of approximately -10 DEG C. to +5 DEG C., at which discharge begins. The temperature T1 is chosen to maximize the extent of the reaction represented by the equation: Ni(OH)2+OH-=NiOOH+H2O+e-. versus the reaction represented by the equation: 2OH-=1/2O2+H2O+2e- Subsequently, it is desirable to heat the battery to the temperature T2 in readiness for discharge. A preferred recharge temperature is less than approximately -10 DEG C. The battery includes a positive electrode which may include electrochemically active Ni(OH)2 possibly mixed with Co(OH)2 and electrically conductive material having a resistivity less than approximately 0.1 ohm-cm, a negative electrode which is of a material which catalyzes the oxidation and reduction of H2, and an electrolyte which is a solution of KOH. The foregoing principle can be applied to any battery which uses a nickel hydroxide positive electrode, specifically, to such batteries which have a condensed phase negative electrode such as metal hydride, zinc, iron and cadmium.
|
