Improved Batteries for Ventricular Assist Systems

Recent component technology innovations will be combined with new materials available to significantly improve the energy density and cycle life of sealed rechargeable nickel-zinc prismatic batteries. The zinc electrode has long been recognized as having a high energy density, but the nickel-zinc system has been limited in life by separators which require electrolyte concentrations. Electrolyte concentrations are not optimum for electrode perfor- mance because of solubility and replating of zinc to form treeing (and consequent shorting) and shape change. The objective of the proposed program is to demonstrate the feasibility of the battery with improvements in separator, electrolyte concentration, and positive active material density, and to reach goals of performance which will provide a battery of cells that conveniently fit in a belt or vest and can provide sufficient energy for ventricular assist.