Nickel cadmium cell age sensitivity study

Conference · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5854594

Thierfelder, H E; Rampel, G; Schmerbach, J

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of aging on aerospace nickel cadmium cells, and to make a recommendation on the age limitation for cells in flight batteries at time of spacecraft launch. The swelling of the positive plates, and the decrease in overcharge protection, are concluded to be the life limiting characteristics. Based on the criteria of minimum overcharge protection for maximum reliability, it was concluded that the cell age since time of activation, should be no more than three and one-half years at time of launch, to have confidence in completing a 7-1/2 year mission. This study was made using fourteen aerospace nickel cadmium cells, GE/BBD Part No. 42B015AB19. The fourteen cells were made up of two cells from each of seven lots of cells that were manufactured by GE/BBD between 1975 and 1982. The cells had been in cold storage in the shorted condition since approximately three months after activation. The fourteen cells were reconditioned, subjected to the acceptance test identically as at time of manufacture, and then opened for flooded electrode tests and chemical analyses. The electrical acceptance test data showed no correlation with the age of the cells.

• Research Organization: G.E. Space Systems Div., Philadelphia, PA
• OSTI ID: 5854594
• Report Number(s): CONF-840804-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States) Journal Volume: 1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250902* -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Performance & Testing
AGING
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
METAL-METAL OXIDE BATTERIES
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PLATES
POWER SUPPLIES
SERVICE LIFE
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
SWELLING
TESTING