Multi-compartment photogalvanic cell
AssigneesOptel Corporation, Grumman Aerospace Corporation
InventorsDonald K. Cartmell, Horst Witzke
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A number of aligned and spaced photogalvanic cells/compartments have interior passages formed therebetween to permit the free passage of electrolyte. Each compartment includes spaced electrodes and a TiO.sub.2 -electrolyte photoactive site. A layer of charge storing material, such as tungsten oxide may be incorporated in each compartment. As a result, each compartment is capable of converting light energy to electrical energy and also storing charge within the cell after light irradiation ceases. By connecting the various electrodes of the compartments in parallel, greater current flow may be appreciated.
Claims11
A multi-compartment photogalvanic cell having a plurality of aligned communicating sections, each comprising:
- an electrode;
- a counterelectrode spaced from the electrode;
- an electrolyte means contained between the electrode and counterelectrode for enabling photogalvanic operation of the cell;
- and
- means formed between the sections for permitting flow of the electrolyte between the sections;
- said cell comprising:
- transparent electrode means in an outermost section for receiving
- light irradiation, and
- conductor means connected to the electrodes and counterelectrodes of each section for connecting said sections in parallel, and for drawing electrical power from the cell in response to irradiation by light received by said transparent electrode means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.