In 2017 the Washington Post estimated that 1.3 billion people worldwide do not have access to electricity. This means that nearly 20% of the global population are unable to use tools including water filters, electric stoves, and lamps. Attempts have been made by international organizations to address this by installing macro-level power grids though they have frequently proven to be unsustainable. A new approach to this problem is to address it from a grassroots level and provide electricity on a smaller, household scale. One means of achieving this is through developing sustainable, durable, rechargeable battery packs for individual distribution. These criteria are met by the Edison cell, a nickel-iron alkaline electrochemical cell with a large output-to-size ratio. The goal of this research is to use the Edison cell as a model to develop a corrosion resistant alkaline battery for use in grassroots electrification initiatives. By manipulating variables that include electrolyte concentration, electrode composition and configuration, this investigation seeks to design single cells which can sustain a 1.2 V discharge at 100 amp-hr for 5 hrs which can be connected in series to form high efficiency batteries. A nickel oxide anode and iron powder cathode has achieved the voltage production goal and further investigation is being conducted to improve charge retention over time. Further developments for this project include using renewable energy sources to recharge the cell—solar, hydro or wind power.

Development of sustainable rechargeable batteries for use in grassroots electrification initiatives

2019 Spring National Meeting

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