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User safety considerations in lithium thionyl chloride batteries

Conference · · Power Sources Symp., Proc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5557835

The mechanics of failure of lithium batteries with thionyl chloride as a catholyte are discussed, and methods available to provide user safety are outlined. Advantages of using the batteries are discussed, including a high cell voltage of 3.6 V, a high specific energy density greater than 200 W-hr per pound, excellent voltage stability over 95% of the discharge life of the cell, low cost materials, and a storage life up to 10 years. Safety problems such as explosion, venting, leaking, and short circuit overheating are also discussed. A fault matrix is presented to relate battery hazards to the possible use and disposal conditions, and to determine levels of safety for the user system. A test plan is also developed which includes mechanical, thermal, electrical and chemical considerations, and can be organized into categories convenient to various test facility capabilities.

Research Organization:
U.S. Naval Ocean Systems Center, San Diego, CA
OSTI ID:
5557835
Report Number(s):
CONF-800612-
Journal Information:
Power Sources Symp., Proc.; (United States), Journal Name: Power Sources Symp., Proc.; (United States); ISSN PSSYA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English