Metal hydride electrodes and Ni/MH batteries for automotive high power applications

Nickel–metal hydride (Ni/MH) batteries are nowadays the most promising system, in the mid-term, for hybrid vehicles. Battery power requirements for the hybrid vehicle application are quite high, both for acceleration and for an effective quick battery recharging. This paper deals with the design and development of metal hydride electrodes and of prismatic Ni/MH batteries for high power automotive applications: hybrid vehicle and energy systems for the future 42 V electrical network in conventional ICE vehicles. Electrode studies have focused on the substrate characteristics, the electrode preparation conditions and the additives to improve the performance of the active material, in terms of conductivity and avoidance of the active material shedding. The 25 Ah Ni/MH batteries have been designed to achieve maximum power drain (minimum electrical resistance), with a minimum weight and a valve regulated maintenance-free system.