btrautman:
Where you said the ideal was to overdrive the recharging by .3V,
is that per cell? If so, a person would need to compute the
number of cells based upon the energy difference between
materials, and then add the (number of cells X .3) to get the
ideal over-voltage. Since car systems run off 12V, the overcharging
voltage would need to be something above that, which would require
making alterations to the alternator somehow. (Of course that's
assuming you want just one battery to do everything.)
I was thinking maybe easier to charge all cells in parallel thru
diode arrays. The correct number of diodes would create voltage
dividers (with the correct approx. overvoltage), taps between the
diodes feeding all cells. Meanwhile the full battery voltage could be
used to power the ignition, lights, accessories, etc. through a stock
voltage regulator. What do you think?
P.S. If using KOH, wouldn't you want the sulfer-free nickel? I've seen
KOH liquid at the larger building & hardware depots.