Just some notes from an old fart who has been researching this tech for a while .
I have read through all of the comments in this thread ,,, and here are my thoughts .
1. Edison was meticulous when developing his inventions . The Ni/Fe batt was one of his
best . He , and his help , found all the things that work , and a big bunch that didn't .
If you take the time to review his patents , you will see what I mean . All we have to do
is replicate what he did , after we figure out why he did it .
2. example (a) , the shell and the frames ,and the mesh tubes of the Ni/Fe batt were all
nickel plated . Not because they were the electrode , but because it prevented the
electrolyte from chewing on the steel , chemically . The nickel electrode was actually the
nickel hydroxide , mixed with nickel flake , that was stuffed in the mesh tubes of the
nickel plate side of a given cell . The nickel plate also acted as the conductor to those
chemicals .
3. example (b) , the same idea holds for the Fe plate of the cell . The nickel plated framing
holds the chemicals mechanically , and makes electrical connection . Neither plate of any
given cell was made of solid , pure metal .
4. There are numerous sources of electrolyte chemicals . It could be technical grade , doesnt
need to be reagent grade . It doesnt need to be expensive .
5. The lithium hydroxide used in the electrolyte , has the roll of a stabilizer , not the primary
or as an alternate electrolyte .
6. The rest of the discovered character of the Ni/Fe batt still apply . However the DIY batt
builder can tweek variables like plate area to compensate for negative traits , thus
making it more compatible with DIY solar / wind / microhydro etc. Tupperware might work
just as good as five gal buckets . etc.
7. Absolutely NO SUBSTITUTE for a little bit of CHEMISTRY 101 .....especially for the SAFETY
aspects .
My hat is off to all of you who are willing to jump in there and try new things !!!
