High Rate Li/SOC1(2) Cells. I. Effect of Design Variables in Uncatalyzed Cells

摘要

One of the goals of the Navy's High Energy Batteries for Weapons Block Program is to achieve a better understanding of safety hazards in high energy lithium batteries. To attain this objective, a statistical survey was planned to examine how various cell parameters (cell design, cell balance, catalysis, moisture content, etc.) would affect performance and safety in Li/SOC12 cells. Five replicate tests were planned for each cell parameter during various modes of testing including overdischarge, partial discharge and storage followed by further discharge, etc. Cell performance, and individual electrode potentials, cell internal and external temperatures, and pressure were measured during discharge and forced over-discharge at different rates at ambient and subambient temperatures. The effect of partial discharge and storage on cell performance was assessed. At various stages, the cell chemistry was compared using X-ray, gas chromatography, IR and mass spectrocopy techniques. The effects of water, the presence of a catalyst and lithium vs. cathode-limited cell balance were also examined. The data have been summarized in two reports. This first report primarily addresses the effect of test conditions and cell parameters on performance and chemistry. The second report will discuss the effect of the catalyst.