ALKALI METAL ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION

摘要

PCT No. PCT/GB88/00909 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 8, 1990 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 8, 1990 PCT Filed Oct. 24, 1988 PCT Pub. No. WO89/04068 PCT Pub. Date May 5, 1989.The cathode region of a sodium sulphur cell has hitherto sometimes been sealed by a thin metal member welded at its outer periphery to the metal casing and at its inner periphery to the alpha alumina lid of the electrolyte. The welding operation damages the essential protective coating of the thin metal member. This invention discloses sealing the cathode region with a thin metal member (5) secured to a concentric outer thicker metal member (4), the thin member being sealed to the lid (15) and the thicker member being sealed to the casing (1). The thickness of the outer member eliminates the need for a protective coating so that the combined seal has greater integrity than previous seals.