The Li / Cl2 in SO 2Cl2 Inorganic Battery System: III . High Rate Performance, Storability, and Safety Characteristics

Abstract

A study to determine the high rate performance, storability, and safety characteristics for the in (Li/CSC) inorganic battery system was conducted. The results for practical, spirally wound D cells discharged under constant current conditions at different temperatures show no significant differences in realized capacities (e.g., 10.0 and 10.2 A‐hr for cells discharged at the 12.0A rate at −2° and +25°C, respectively). Comparison of the performance characteristics for D cells discharged under constant current (1.0–15.0A) and constant load (3.00–0.14Ω) conditions at 25°C shows an increase in realized capacities as well as load voltage levels for those cells discharged under constant load conditions. Investigation of the storability and voltage delay characteristics for 1.5 year old prototype DD cells shows little or no loss in realized capacity for cells discharged under loads of 3.00–0.59Ω, but do exhibit decreased realized capacities when discharged under heavier loads (e.g., 21.0 A‐hr realized capacity to a 2.0V cutoff level under a 0.24Ω load at 25°C). Safety and hazards characterization relative to high rate testing show that D cells will vent when discharged under constant current conditions above 6.0A. When cells were discharged under constant load conditions, however, only those cells under loads of 0.24Ω and lower (i.e., greater than the 12A rate) vented through a cracked glass to metal seal. Additional safety/hazards characteristics relative to the Li/CSC system are discussed.