The Torpedo Battery – The Silver Oxide Battery System

 

 

Applications: Torpedoes, aquatic mines, swimmer aids, deep submersibles, underwater rescue vessels, various antisubmarine warfare applications.

Cathode/Anode/Electrolyte: Silver Oxide/Zinc/Aqueous Potassium Hydroxide

Chemistry:   AgO + H2O + 2e- ßà Ag + 2OH-                           cathode
                        Zn ßà Zn2+ + 2e-                                                    anode
                                                                                      

                        AgO + Zn + H2O ßà Zn(OH)2 + Ag                     (discharge)

Distinguishing Characteristics: 

  • High energy per unit weight and volume.

  • High discharge-rate capability.

  • Moderate charge-rate capability.

  • Good charge retention.

  • Flat discharge voltage curve.

  • Low maintenance.

  • Low self-discharge.

  • Safe

Fun Fact: Zinc/Silver Oxide batteries provide the highest energy per unit weight and volume of any commercially available aqueous secondary battery system. The United States Navy played a pivotal role in sponsoring much of the early research on the Zinc/Silver Oxide battery system.

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