Energy storage devices are needed for applications requiring very high power over short periods of time. Such devices have various military (rail guns, electromagnetic launchers, and DEW) and commercial applications, such as hybrid electric vehicles, vehicle starting (SLI), and utility peak shaving.
The storage and delivery of high levels of burst power can be achieved with a capacitor, flywheel, or rechargeable battery. In order to reduce the weight and volume of many systems they must contain advanced state-of-the-art electrochemical or electromechanical power sources. There is an opportunity and a need to develop energy storage devices that have improved high power characteristics compared to existing ultra capacitors, flywheels or rechargeable batteries.
Electro Energy, Inc. has been engaged in the development of bipolar nickel metal hydride batteries which may fulfill the requirements of some of these applications. This paper describes a module rated at 300 V (255 cells) / 6 Ah. The volume of the module is 23 L and the mass is 56 kg. The module is designed to deliver 50 kW pulses of 10 seconds duration at 50% state of charge. Details of the mechanical design of the module will be presented, along with the results of initial electrical characterization testing. Some discussion of the possibilities for design optimization is also included.