Metal oxide-hydrogen battery incorporating a mechanism for maintaining a constant pressure in the battery

摘要

A metal oxide-hydrogen battery incorporating a system for maintaining a substantial uniform range of pressure of hydrogen gas in the battery. The battery includes an outer pressure vessel and a plurality of cells are contained in the vessel. A liquid electrolyte is impregnated within the cells and the battery is charged with hydrogen gas. A conduit connects the interior of the vessel with a venting zone, preferably a closed chamber, containing a hydrogen absorbing material. A first valve is located in the conduit and is designed to open when the battery is discharged to a preselected level. A second pressure regulated valve is also mounted in the conduit and opens to vent hydrogen from the vessel to the chamber, if the hydrogen pressure exceeds a predetermined value at the preselected state of discharge. The sequential venting of hydrogen during cycling of the battery will maintain the pressure of hydrogen in the vessel within a given range.