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Faculty Publications

Electric properties

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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Theoretical Analysis Of Metal Hydride Electrodes: Studies On Equilibrium Potential And Exchange Current Density, Bala S. Haran, Branko N. Popov, Ralph E. White Jan 1998

Theoretical Analysis Of Metal Hydride Electrodes: Studies On Equilibrium Potential And Exchange Current Density, Bala S. Haran, Branko N. Popov, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A theoretical model for the metal hydride electrode has been developed assuming that hydrogen diffusion in the alloy and charge-transfer at the surface control the discharge process. Theoretical equations for the dependence of equilibrium potential and exchange current density on the surface hydrogen concentration have been derived. These parameters have been used to correlate experimental data with the theoretical electrode discharge model. Analysis of both the experimental and theoretical discharge curves reveals a potential plateau determined by the magnitude of the interactions between the hydrogen in the alloy and the unhydrided metal. Neglecting these hydrogen-metal site interactions results in simulations …


The Effect Of Particle Size On The Discharge Performance Of A Nickel-Metal Hydride Cell, Jussi M. Heikonen, Harry J. Ploehn, Ralph E. White Jan 1998

The Effect Of Particle Size On The Discharge Performance Of A Nickel-Metal Hydride Cell, Jussi M. Heikonen, Harry J. Ploehn, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

We investigate the effect of particle size on the discharge performance of a nickel-metal hydride cell with a mathematical model. Electrodes with uniform as well as with nonuniform particle sizes are studied. With uniform particle size, the dependence of the particle-to-particle resistance on the particle size is taken into account. The optimal particle size depends on the discharge rate. Moreover, we show that under certain conditions it is advantageous to use a nonuniform particle size. In general, the higher the discharge current density, the more the particle size affects the electrode performance.


Mathematical Modeling Of A Nickel-Cadmium Cell: Proton Diffusion In The Nickel Electrode, Pauline De Vidts, Ralph E. White Jan 1995

Mathematical Modeling Of A Nickel-Cadmium Cell: Proton Diffusion In The Nickel Electrode, Pauline De Vidts, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

In this paper we present a mathematical model of a sealed nickel-cadmium cell that includes proton diffusion and ohmic drop through the active material in the nickel electrode. The model is used to calculate sensitivity coefficients for various parameters in the model. These calculations show that the discharge voltage of the cell is affected mostly by the kinetics of the nickel reaction. Toward the end of discharge, proton diffusion also becomes important, because the proton diffusion process affects the active material utilization significantly. During charge, the cell voltage is mainly affected by the kinetics of the nickel reaction until the …


A Water And Heat Management Model For Proton-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cells, Trung V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White Jan 1993

A Water And Heat Management Model For Proton-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cells, Trung V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

Proper water and heat management are essential for obtaining high-power-density performance at high energy efficiency for proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells. A water and heat management model was developed and used to investigate the effectiveness of various humidification designs. The model accounts for water transport across the membrane by electro-osmosis and diffusion, heat transfer from the solid phase to the gas phase and latent heat associated with water evaporation and condensation in the flow channels. Results from the model showed that at high current densities (> 1 A/cm2) ohmic loss in the membrane accounts for a large fraction of the …


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 …


Parameter Sensitivity And Optimization Predictions Of A Hydrogen/Oxygen Alkaline Fuel Cell Model, Michael C. Kimble, Ralph E. White Jan 1992

Parameter Sensitivity And Optimization Predictions Of A Hydrogen/Oxygen Alkaline Fuel Cell Model, Michael C. Kimble, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model is used to predict parameter sensitivities and optimal design parameters for a hydrogen/oxygen alkaline fuel cell. A sensitivity analysis of the various transport and electrode kinetic parameters indicates which parameters have the most influence on the predicted current density and over which range of potentials these parameters affect the fuel-cell performance the most. This information can be used to decide which parameters should be optimized or determined more accurately through further modeling or experimental studies. The effect of various design parameters on the limiting current density are investigated to determine if optimal values exist for the parameters. …


Mathematical Modeling Of A Primary Zinc/Air Battery, Z. Mao, Ralph E. White Jan 1992

Mathematical Modeling Of A Primary Zinc/Air Battery, Z. Mao, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

The mathematical model developed by Sunu and Bennion has been extended to include the separator, precipitation of both solid ZnO and K2Zn(OH)4, and the air electrode, and has been used to investigate the behavior of a primary Zn-Air battery with respect to battery design features. Predictions obtained from the model indicate that anode material utilizationis predominantly limited by depletion of the concentration of hydroxide ions. The effect of electrode thickness on anode material utilization is insignificant, whereas material loading per unit volume has a great effect on anode material utilization; a higher loading lowers both the …


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 …


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 …


Effect Of Ohmic, Mass-Transfer, And Kinetic Resistances On Linear-Sweep Voltammetry In A Cylindrical-Pore Electrode, John W. Weidner, Peter S. Fedkiw Jan 1991

Effect Of Ohmic, Mass-Transfer, And Kinetic Resistances On Linear-Sweep Voltammetry In A Cylindrical-Pore Electrode, John W. Weidner, Peter S. Fedkiw

Faculty Publications

Extracting quantitative kinetic information from linear-sweep voltammograms (LSV) on porous electrodes is more difficult than on planar electrodes since the electrode surface is not uniformly accessible to the bulk supply of reactant or the counterelectrode. We present here a means to account for the effect of ohmic, mass-transfer, and kinetic resistances on LSV by modeling a pore in a porous matrix as a cylindrical-pore electrode, and solving the mass and charge conservation equations in the context of this geometry for the simply redox reaction O + ne <=> R where both O and R are soluble species. Both analytical …


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 Mathematical Model Of A Lithium/Thionyl Chloride Primary Cell, T. I. Evans, T. V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White Jan 1989

A Mathematical Model Of A Lithium/Thionyl Chloride Primary Cell, T. I. Evans, T. V. Nguyen, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A one-dimensional mathematical model for the lithium/thionyl chloride primary cell has been developed to investigate methods of improving its performance and safety. The model includes many of the components of a typical lithium/thionyl chloride cell such as the porous lithium chloride film which forms on the lithium anode surface. The governing equations are formulated from fundamental conservation laws using porous electrode theory and concentrated solution theory. The model is used to predict one-dimensional, time dependent profiles of concentration, porosity, current, and potentialas well as cell temperature and voltage. When a certain discharge rate is required, the model can be used …


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 …


Potential-Selective Deposition Of Copper From Chloride Solutions Containing Iron, Ralph E. White, James A. Trainham, John Newman, Thomas W. Chapman Jan 1977

Potential-Selective Deposition Of Copper From Chloride Solutions Containing Iron, Ralph E. White, James A. Trainham, John Newman, Thomas W. Chapman

Faculty Publications

The hydrometallurgy of copper may involve leaching of the metal from its ore with an aqueous solution containing cupric and ferric chloride. The subsequent deposition of copper from such a process stream is modeled here in an idealized electrochemical cell with a rotating-disk electrode. The potential distribution and concentration profiles within the diffusion layer are predicted for given potential differences between the electrode and the solution. The cuprous ion, which is formed by the reduction of the complexed cupric ion at the electrode, is stabilized in the chloride solution and can react either at the electrode or with ferric species …