(19)

(11)

EP 1 038 331 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 27.09.2000 Bulletin 2000/39 (21) Application number: 98960956.5 (22) Date of filing: 14.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01M 10/50, H01M 10/48, G01R 31/36, H02J 7/00 (86) International application number: PCT/CA9801/144 (87) International publication number: WO 9931/752 (24.06.1999 Gazette 1999/25)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (30) Priority: 12.12.1997 CA 2225585 (71) Applicant: HYDRO-QUEBEC MontréalQuébec H2Z 1A4 (CA)	(72) Inventors: MORIN, André Longueuil, Québec J4M 1X7 (CA) ROUILLARD, Jean St.-Luc, Québec J2W 1J5 (CA) C T , Jean-Pierre Houston, TX 77077 (US) (74) Representative: Bratel, Gérard et al Cabinet GERMAIN & MAUREAU,12, rue Boileau,BP 6153 69466 Lyon Cedex 06 69466 Lyon Cedex 06 (FR)