Lithium--water--air battery project: progress during the months of August--November. [Development of prototype Al/air cell]

Work done on the Lithium--Water--Air Battery Research Program in the work period August through November, 1977, is summarized. A prototype single-cell fuel cell was developed. The single galvanic cell consists of two 30-cm square aluminum plates separated by a two-faced air cathode mockup. The purposes of the model are to determine ease and cost of electrode servicing and weight and manufacturing cost of the hardware. Projections of fuel cell performance and cost were made, based on the prototype cell and the performance of cells of similar anode--cathode spacing produced by Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. Performance is a strong function of the weight of water carried in the fuel cell, as water is the limiting reactant when sufficient aluminum is carried for a vehicle range of 1600 km. Research concerning the electrochemistry of calcium in aqueous chloride--hydroxide electrolytes is summarized with reference to a recent presentation of the work at the Fall Meeting of the Electrochemical Society. Polarization curves were obtained for the aluminum alloy used by Lockheed in fuel cell research. The experimental data agree closely with Lockheed's published results. 9 figures, 1 table.