Optimising the Performance of Cement-Based Batteries

Aimee Byrne,Shane Barry,Brian Norton,Niall Holmes

doi:10.1155/2017/4724302

Abstract

The development of a battery using different cement-based electrolytes to provide a low but potentially sustainable source of electricity is described. The current, voltage, and lifespan of batteries produced using different electrolyte additives, copper plate cathodes, and (usually) aluminium plate anodes were compared to identify the optimum design, components, and proportions to increase power output and longevity. Parameters examined include water/cement ratio, anode to cathode surface area ratio, electrode material, electrode spacing, and the effect of sand, aggregate, salts, carbon black, silica fume, and sodium silicate on the electrolyte. The results indicate that the greatest and longest lasting power can be achieved using high proportions of water, carbon black, plasticiser, salts, and silica fume in the electrolyte and using a magnesium anode and copper cathode. This cell produced an open-circuit voltage of 1.55 V, a resistor-loaded peak current over 4 mA, maintaining over 1 mA for 4 days, and a quasi steady current of 0.59 mA with a lifespan of over 21 days.

Highlights

For autonomous applications both wind and solar energy systems require batteries or other energy storage mechanisms to merit continuous loads due to the intermittency of their supply
The following sections present the current discharge curves on a logarithmic scale to show the effect of the different parameters discussed in Sections 3.3.1–3.3.8 in terms of current discharge through a 10 Ω resistor and lifespan
The open-circuit voltage and lifespan were unaffected by the increasing water content

Summary

Introduction

For autonomous applications both wind and solar energy systems require batteries or other energy storage mechanisms to merit continuous loads due to the intermittency of their supply. Electrons move from one electrode to another via ionic reactions between the electrode molecules and the electrolyte molecules [1]. These reactions are enabled when there is an external path for electric current (via an electric circuit) and cease when it is broken. Zinc atoms dissolve in the electrolyte as ions missing two electrons (Zn2+) and combine with two negative chloride ions in the electrolyte to form ZnCl2.

Methods

Results

Conclusion