Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Engineering Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 32

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

A Mathematical Model For A Lithium–Sulfur Cell, Karthikeyan Kumaresan, Yuriy Mikhaylik, Ralph E. White Jan 2008

A Mathematical Model For A Lithium–Sulfur Cell, Karthikeyan Kumaresan, Yuriy Mikhaylik, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model is presented for a complete lithium–sulfur cell. The model includes various electrochemical and chemical (precipitation) reactions, multicomponent transport phenomena in the electrolyte, and the charge transfer within and between solid and liquid phases. A change in the porosity of the porous cathode and separator due to precipitation reactions is also included in the model. The model is used to explain the physical reasons for the two-stage discharge profiles that are typically obtained for lithium–sulfur cells.


Modeling Lithium Intercalation In A Porous Carbon Electrode, Gerardine G. Botte, Ralph E. White Jan 2001

Modeling Lithium Intercalation In A Porous Carbon Electrode, Gerardine G. Botte, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Application Of Porous Electrode Theory On Metal Hydride Electrodes In Alkaline Solution, G. Zheng, Branko N. Popov, Ralph E. White Jan 1996

Application Of Porous Electrode Theory On Metal Hydride Electrodes In Alkaline Solution, G. Zheng, Branko N. Popov, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

Porous electrode theory was applied to estimate the exchange current density, the polarization resistance, and symmetry factor for LaNi4.27Sn0.24 hydride electrode in alkaline solution. The exchange current density, polarization resistance, and symmetry factor were determined from polarization curves which were obtained at low overpotentials.


Effect Of Proton Diffusion, Electron Conductivity, And Charge-Transfer Resistance On Nickel Hydroxide Discharge Curves, John W. Weidner, Paul Timmerman Jan 1994

Effect Of Proton Diffusion, Electron Conductivity, And Charge-Transfer Resistance On Nickel Hydroxide Discharge Curves, John W. Weidner, Paul Timmerman

Faculty Publications

Constant-current discharge curves for the nickel hydroxide electrode are simulated assuming resistances due to diffusion of protons and conduction of electrons through the nickel hydroxide film, and charge-transfer resistance at the film/electrolyte interface contribute to the polarization losses of the electrode. Good qualitative agreement is observed between the model predictions and experimental discharge curves. The results suggest that polarization losses due to diffusional limitations of protons is a critical factor in determining the characteristics of the discharge curve. Ohmic resistance has a significant effect on the discharge curves at the end of discharge, and charge-transfer resistance is a minor contributor …


Thermal Characteristics Of A Nickel-Hydrogen Battery, Junbom Kim, T. V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White Jan 1994

Thermal Characteristics Of A Nickel-Hydrogen Battery, Junbom Kim, T. V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

The maximum allowable temperature difference inside a nickel-hydrogen battery to avoid water relocation was calculated by using a graphical method together with a vapor pressure vs. temperature correlation equation for water vapor over potassium hydroxide solution. An equation was developed for this maximum allowable temperature difference for vessel-wall temperatures from 0 to 30°C and potassium hydroxide concentrations from 20 to 32%. A heat-generation equation for the nickel-hydrogen battery was used to investigate the effect of the location of heat generation on the maximum temperature in the cell and the temperature distribution in the cell.


Impedance Spectroscopy As A Nondestructive Health Interrogation Tool For Lithium-Bcx Cells, Branko N. Popov, W. Zhang, E. C. Darcy, Ralph E. White Jan 1993

Impedance Spectroscopy As A Nondestructive Health Interrogation Tool For Lithium-Bcx Cells, Branko N. Popov, W. Zhang, E. C. Darcy, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

The objective of this investigation was to study the growth of thick passivating layers on the Li anode in Li/BCX(Li/SOCl2 + BrCl) cells which were stored for a period of 3 years. Impedance spectroscopy and equivalent circuit models were used to determine characterizing parameters for these cells. The equivalent circuit used for virgin cells includes a faradic contribution and diffusion of the electroactive species. The equivalent circuit for batteries stored 1 or 2 years includes the impedance of a metal/passive film interface, the resistance of the film, and the impedance of the passivating film/electrolyte interface. The equivalent circuit used …


Measurements Of The Fundamental Thermodynamic Parameters Of Li/Bcx And Li/Socl2 Cells, E. E. Kalu, Ralph E. White, E. C. Darcy Jan 1992

Measurements Of The Fundamental Thermodynamic Parameters Of Li/Bcx And Li/Socl2 Cells, E. E. Kalu, Ralph E. White, E. C. Darcy

Faculty Publications

The thermodynamic data needed to estimate the heat generation characteristics of Li/BCX and Li/SOCl2 cells were determined using two experimental techniques, equilibrium or reversible cell discharge and measurement of open circuitpotential as a function of temperature. The results obtained showed that the reversible cell potential (Er), the temperature dependence of the reversible cell potential (dEr/dT) and thermoneutral potential (Eh) of the BCX cell were respectively, Er,25oc = 3.74 V, dEr/dT = –0.857 ± 0.198 mV/K and Eh = 3.994 …


Thermal Mathematical Modeling Of A Multicell Common Pressure Vessel Nickel-Hydrogen Battery, Junbom Kim, T. V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White Jan 1992

Thermal Mathematical Modeling Of A Multicell Common Pressure Vessel Nickel-Hydrogen Battery, Junbom Kim, T. V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A two-dimensional and time-dependent thermal model of a multicell common pressure vessel (CPV) nickel-hydrogen battery was developed. A finite element solver called PDE/Protran was used to solve this model. The model was used to investigate the effects of various design parameters on the temperature profile within the cell. The results were used to help find a design that will yield an acceptable temperature gradient inside a multicell CPV nickel-hydrogen battery. Steady-state and unsteady-state cases with a constant heat generation rate and a time-dependent heat generation rate were solved.


Calorimetric Determination Of The Thermoneutral Potential Of Li/Bcx And Li/Socl2 Cells, E. E. Kalu, Ralph E. White, E. C. Darcy Jan 1992

Calorimetric Determination Of The Thermoneutral Potential Of Li/Bcx And Li/Socl2 Cells, E. E. Kalu, Ralph E. White, E. C. Darcy

Faculty Publications

Through a continuous recording of the cell voltage, heat flow, and current, the effective thermoneutral potential, Eetpof Li/BCX and Li/SOCl2 cells were determined in the temperature range, 0–60°C. The depth of discharge (DOD), temperature (T), and cell type (cell chemistry) affect the effective thermoneutral potential. The effective thermoneutral potential, Eetp differs from the classical thermoneutral potential of a cell because it takes into account the heat flow due to non-faradaic processes. The average effective thermoneutral potential at 25°C (determined by selecting the most constant region of Eetp vs. time of discharge) was 4.0 …


Comparison Of Heat-Fin Materials And Design Of A Common-Pressure-Vessel Nickel-Hydrogen Battery, Junbom Kim, Ralph E. White Jan 1992

Comparison Of Heat-Fin Materials And Design Of A Common-Pressure-Vessel Nickel-Hydrogen Battery, Junbom Kim, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A two-dimensional, axisymmetric, and time-dependent thermal model was developed to study the temperature behavior of the cylindrically shaped common-pressure-vessel nickel-hydrogen cell. A differential-energy-balance equation was used as the governing equation. A finite-element software package called PDE/Protran was used to solve this model. Different materials such as copper, copper beryllium, silver, and sterling silver were compared as heat-fin materials. The heat-fin geometry (thickness and height) and spacing were tested to find a design that yielded an acceptable temperature gradient inside a nickel-hydrogen cell. Pulse heat-generation rates were tested and correlated with the time-dependent heat-generation cases.


A Mathematical Model Of A Cuo/Cu Vaporvolt Cell, Makoto Kawanami, Trung V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White Jan 1992

A Mathematical Model Of A Cuo/Cu Vaporvolt Cell, Makoto Kawanami, Trung V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A new battery named "Vaporvolt"b cell is in the early stage of its development. A mathematical model of a CuO/CuVaporvolt cell is presented that can be used to predict the potential and the transport behavior of the cell during discharge.A sensitivity analysis of the various transport and electrokinetic parameters indicates which parameters have the mostinfluence on the predicted energy and power density of the Vaporvolt cell. This information can be used to decide whichparameters should be optimized or determined more accurately through further modeling or experimental studies. Theoptimal thicknesses of electrodes and separator, the concentration of the electrolyte, and …


A Mathematical Model Of Electrochemical Reactions Coupled With Homogeneous Chemical Reactions, Ken-Ming Yen, Taewhan Yeu, Ralph E. White Jan 1991

A Mathematical Model Of Electrochemical Reactions Coupled With Homogeneous Chemical Reactions, Ken-Ming Yen, Taewhan Yeu, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

The zinc/bromine (Zn/Br2) flow battery has received considerable
attention in recent years [e.g., (2-4)]. Although it
is agreed that the solution chemistry is important in the
system, most of the work that has been done is concentrated
on the design variables. In this note the basic mass
transfer-solution and surface kinetics are studied to furnish
a better understanding of the system.


Current Distribution In A Horizon® Lead-Acid Battery During Discharge, Z. Mao, Ralph E. White, B. Jay Jan 1991

Current Distribution In A Horizon® Lead-Acid Battery During Discharge, Z. Mao, Ralph E. White, B. Jay

Faculty Publications

A simple mathematical model is presented and used to analyze the potential and current distributions in a HORIZON® sealed lead-acid battery. It was found that an increase in the thickness of an electrode would not enhance the discharge rate of that electrode; instead, it causes the transfer current distribution to be less uniform in the electrode. Also, the ohmic drop across the separator would decrease with a decrease in the thickness of the separator more rapidly when the thickness is small than when it is large. In addition, it was found that efficient high-capacity, high-rate electrodes must consider the electrode …


A Simple Model For A Zinc/Bromine Flow Cell And Associated Storage Tanks, G. D. Simpson, Ralph E. White Jan 1990

A Simple Model For A Zinc/Bromine Flow Cell And Associated Storage Tanks, G. D. Simpson, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A simple model for a parallel plate, zinc/bromine flow cell and associated storage tanks is presented and used to make time-dependent predictions for various quantities in the system. The model is based on a previously published algebraic model of the cell at steady-state and time-dependent, first-order differential equations for the storage tanks. The Butler-Volmer equation is used for the electrochemical reactions, and the homogeneous reaction between bromine and bromide is included. The model predictions indicate that the charging operation of a zinc/bromine battery can be significantly improved by using a storage tank with a larger residence time for the bromine …


Predicted Secondary Current Distributions For Linear Kinetics In A Modified Three-Dimensional Hull Cell, F. A. Jagush, Ralph E. White, William E. Ryan Jan 1990

Predicted Secondary Current Distributions For Linear Kinetics In A Modified Three-Dimensional Hull Cell, F. A. Jagush, Ralph E. White, William E. Ryan

Faculty Publications

Current density distribution is an important consideration
for those involved in designing electrochemical systems
and electroplating systems in particular. Although it
is important, the common practice in industry is to use
trial and error to determine designs that optimize current
density distributions in electroplating. The purpose of this
paper is to illustrate the use of the finite element method
(FEM) to predict three-dimensional current density distributions.


Three-Dimensional Current Distributions In A Bipolar, Chlor-Alkali Membrane Cell, Ralph E. White, F. Jagush, H. S. Burney Jan 1990

Three-Dimensional Current Distributions In A Bipolar, Chlor-Alkali Membrane Cell, Ralph E. White, F. Jagush, H. S. Burney

Faculty Publications

The current distributions in a stack of bipolar, membrane
chlor-alkali cells are important design considerations
(1). The degree of nonuniformity of the current distribution
is important to know because highly nonuniform
current distributions could cause, among other things, severe
damage to the membrane in a cell stack (2).


Mathematical Modeling Of An H2s Removal Electrolyzer, Z. Mao, P. Adanuvor, Ralph E. White Jan 1990

Mathematical Modeling Of An H2s Removal Electrolyzer, Z. Mao, P. Adanuvor, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model is presented for a high temperature H2S electrolyzer. It is shown that the maximum current in this type of a cell is determined entirely by the transport rate of sulfide ions through the separator. It is suggested that this model could be used to determine the feasibility of various designs for this electrolyzer.


A Thermal Analysis Of A Spirally Wound Battery Using A Simple Mathematical Model, T. I. Evans, Ralph E. White Jan 1989

A Thermal Analysis Of A Spirally Wound Battery Using A Simple Mathematical Model, T. I. Evans, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A two-dimensional thermal model for spirally wound batteries has been developed. The governing equation of the model is the energy balance. Convective and insulated boundary conditions are used, and the equations are solved using a finite element code called TOPAZ2D. The finite element mesh is generated using a preprocessor to TOPAZ2D called MAZE. The model is used to estimate temperature profiles within a spirally wound D-size cell. The model is applied to the lithium/thionyl chloride cell because of the thermal management problems that this cell exhibits. Simplified one-dimensional models are presented that can be used to predict best and worst …


A Comparison Of Newman's Numerical Technique And Deboor's Algorithm, D. A. Curtis, T. I. Evans, Ralph E. White Jan 1989

A Comparison Of Newman's Numerical Technique And Deboor's Algorithm, D. A. Curtis, T. I. Evans, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


An Algebraic Model For A Zinc/Bromine Flow Cell, G. D. Simpson, Ralph E. White Jan 1989

An Algebraic Model For A Zinc/Bromine Flow Cell, G. D. Simpson, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

An algebraic model for a parallel plate, zinc/bromine flow cell is presented and used to predict various performance quantities, which are compared to those predicted by using previously published differential equation models. The results presented compare well with previous work. The model is based on the concept of using well-mixed zones and linear concentration and potential profiles for the diffusion layers and the separator. The Butler-Volmer equation is used for the electrochemical reactions, and the homogeneous reaction between bromine and bromide is included.


Estimation Of Electrode Kinetic Parameters Of The Lithium/Thionyl Chloride Cell Using A Mathematical Model, T. I. Evans, Ralph E. White Jan 1989

Estimation Of Electrode Kinetic Parameters Of The Lithium/Thionyl Chloride Cell Using A Mathematical Model, T. I. Evans, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A one-dimensional mathematical model for the lithium/thionyl chloride primary cell is used in conjunction with a parameter estimation technique, in order to estimate the electrode kinetic parameters of this electrochemical system. The electrode kinetic parameters include the anodic transfer coefficient and exchange current density of the lithium oxidation, a,1 and i0,1,ref; the cathodic transfer coefficient and the effective exchange current density of the thionyl chloride reduction, c,4 and a0i0,4,ref, and a morphology parameter, . The parameter estimation is performed on simulated data first in order to gain confidence in the method. Data reported in …


Predicting Shunt Currents In Stacks Of Bipolar Plate Cells With Conducting Manifolds, H. S. Burney, Ralph E. White Jan 1988

Predicting Shunt Currents In Stacks Of Bipolar Plate Cells With Conducting Manifolds, H. S. Burney, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A method is presented for predicting shunt currents in stacks of bipolar plate cells with conducting manifolds. The method is based on the requirement that the potential drop through the solution in a manifold be large enough to force current to leave the solution and to enter the conducting manifold. The current that leaves the solution in the manifold enters the conducting manifold at the anode end of the stack and returns to the solution at the cathode end. This could cause catastrophic failure of a manifold.


Secondary Current Distributions Using Topaz2d And Linear Kinetics, E. C. Dimpault-Darcy, Ralph E. White Jan 1988

Secondary Current Distributions Using Topaz2d And Linear Kinetics, E. C. Dimpault-Darcy, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

Secondary current density distributions are of interest
to cell designers. The purpose of this note is to illustrate
how to use an existing numerical method to determine
these distributions for cells that contain conducting and
nonconducting bodies between the main anode and cathode.


A Mathematical Model Of A Zinc/Bromine Flow Cell, T. I. Evans, Ralph E. White Jan 1987

A Mathematical Model Of A Zinc/Bromine Flow Cell, T. I. Evans, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model is presented for a zinc/bromine flow cell. The model includes a thin porous layer on the bromine electrode and a porous separator. The independent parameters of the porous layer are defined, and their effect on cell performance during charge and discharge is investigated. The dependence of the round trip energy efficiency on the thickness of the porous layer and mode of discharge is presented. The predictions of the model show that a maximum round trip energy efficiency of 70% should be possible under the design conditions considered.


Utility Of An Empirical Method Of Modeling Combined Zero Gap/Attached Electrode Membrane Chlor-Alkali Cells, Clifford W. Walton, Ralph E. White Jan 1987

Utility Of An Empirical Method Of Modeling Combined Zero Gap/Attached Electrode Membrane Chlor-Alkali Cells, Clifford W. Walton, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

An extensive survey of the Docktor-Ingenieur Dissertationen of Jakob Jörissen and Klaus-R. Menschig, both originally from the Universität Dortmund, is presented in regard to the empirical modeling of membrane chlor-alkali cells and how it can be applied to a combined zero gap/attached porous electrode layer membrane cell. Particular emphasis isplaced on Menschig's work on zero gap (ZG) and attached porous electrode layer (APEL) membrane chlor-alkali cells, the first such research to appear in the open literature. Menschig developed various computer programs to characterize these ZG and APEL membrane chlor-alkali cells. He characterized these cells by using the following parameters: the …


Predicting Shunt Currents In Stacks Of Bipolar Plate Cells, Ralph E. White, C. W. Walton, H. S. Burney, R. N. Beaver Jan 1986

Predicting Shunt Currents In Stacks Of Bipolar Plate Cells, Ralph E. White, C. W. Walton, H. S. Burney, R. N. Beaver

Faculty Publications

A method is presented for predicting shunt currents in stacks of undivided and divided bipolar plate cells. The method is an efficient way of solving the coupled sets of algebraic equations that arise from using circuit analog models to represent the current paths in stacks of undivided or divided bipolar plate cells. These algebraic equations can be eitherlinear or nonlinear depending upon the current-potential relationships used in the model (i.e., nonlinear circuit elements can be included). The method is used to show the importance of including nonsymmetrical resistances and nonlinear circuit elements in the models. Also, the method …


Simple Models For Diaphragm-Type Chlorine/Caustic Cells I. Dynamic Behavior, John Van Zee, Ralph E. White, A T. Watson Jan 1986

Simple Models For Diaphragm-Type Chlorine/Caustic Cells I. Dynamic Behavior, John Van Zee, Ralph E. White, A T. Watson

Faculty Publications

A simple model of the dynamic behavior of a diaphragm-type chlorine/caustic cell is presented. The model is based upon measurable diaphragm properties and the mass transfer of hydroxyl ion through the diaphragm. The anolyte is modeled simply as a region in which the OH ion concentration is fixed, the diaphragm is modeled as a plug-flow reactor with an electrochemical reaction occurring at the catholyte/diaphragm interface where the cathode is placed, and the catholyte is modeled as a completely stirred flow reactor. Analytical integration of the governing equations for thesemodels yields two mathematical expressions: one for the concentration distribution of …


Simple Models For Diaphragm-Type Chlorine/Caustic Cells Ii. Effect Of Acidic Anolyte On Steady-State Caustic Yield, John Van Zee, Ralph E. White Jan 1986

Simple Models For Diaphragm-Type Chlorine/Caustic Cells Ii. Effect Of Acidic Anolyte On Steady-State Caustic Yield, John Van Zee, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A simple steady-state model of a diaphragm-type chlorine/caustic cell in which the diaphragm is divided into two regions by a homogeneous acid-base reaction is presented. The location of the reaction affects significantly the caustic yield and effluent concentration. The model is used to predict the location of this reaction as a function of the operating variables, the physical constants, and three measurable properties of the diaphragm. These measurable properties are the MacMullin number or resistivity ratio of electrolyte-filled diaphragm relative to the electrolyte, the Darcy's law diaphragmpermeability, and the diaphragm thickness. The model is used to predict a maximum in …


A Model Of The Bromine/Bromide Electrode Reaction At A Rotating Disk Electrode, Ralph E. White, S. E. Lorimer Jan 1983

A Model Of The Bromine/Bromide Electrode Reaction At A Rotating Disk Electrode, Ralph E. White, S. E. Lorimer

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model is presented for the Br2/Br electrode reaction at a rotating disk electrode. The model includes current density-overpotential expressions for the electrode reaction according to either the Volmer-Heyrovsky (V-H) or the Volmer-Tafel (V-T) mechanism and the transport equations including the effect of ionic migration. The model is used to predict current-overpotential curves for various cases of interest. Qualitative comparison of the model predictions to literature data shows that either the V-H or the V-T mechanism, with V controlling, may be acceptable for the Br2/Br reaction.


An Analysis Of A Back Fed Porous Electorde For The Br2/Br- Redox Reaction, John W. Van Zee, Ralph E. White Jan 1983

An Analysis Of A Back Fed Porous Electorde For The Br2/Br- Redox Reaction, John W. Van Zee, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.