Design factors for a super high energy density Ni-MH battery for military uses

Abstract

The nickel-metal hydride battery is a relatively new commercial product which meets the needs for a more environmentally friendly battery than either the lead-acid or nickel-cadmium couples. While the presently available product also provides significantly improved performance over these other batteries, it is believed possible to develop a new generation of Ni-MH batteries with perhaps 80% greater density by using improved hydrogen storage alloys with the capability to store up to 2 percent by weight hydrogen, improved nickel electrodes which can stably cycle with an electron transfer of greater than 1.5 per nickel atom, and utilizing improved new cell and battery packaging designs which minimize inactive battery weight and volume. This could raise the energy density of today's commercial product (55-70 Wh/kg) to greater than 120 Wh/kg.