Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides a rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell. The cell has an anode compartment defined between a cell casing and a separator, the anode compartment containing active anode material which is liquid at the operating temperature of the cell. The separator defines a cathode compartment containing an electrolyte which is liquid at the operating temperature of the cell, and an active cathode material. The separator separates said compartments from each other and during discharge of the cell the active anode material passes from the anode compartment to the cathode compartment through the separator, to enter the cathode compartment in ionic form. The active anode material passes through the separator from the cathode compartment to the anode compartment during charging of the cell. At least one of said compartments is sealed and is provided with switch means, which switch means is operative in response to an excursion, past a threshold value, of pressure in the sealed compartment arising from passage of active anode material through the separator during operation of the cell while it is connected to an external circuit, to prevent further operation of the cell while said pressure remains past said threshold value.

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First Claim