Characterization of physiochemical properties of polymeric and electrochemical materials for aerospace flight

Technical Report · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6127138

Rock, M; Kunigahalli, V; Khan, S; Mcnair, A

Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries are a vital and reliable energy storage source for aerospace applications. As the demand for longer life and more reliable space batteries increases, the understanding and solving of cell aging factors and mechanisms become essential. Over the years, many cell designs and manufacturing process changes have been developed and implemented. Cells fabricated with various design features were life cycled in a simulated low-Earth orbit regime. Following the test program, a comprehensive electrochemical analysis of cell components was undertaken to study cell degradation mechanisms. Discharge voltage degradation or voltage plateau has been observed during orbit cycling, but, its cause and explanation have been the subject of much discussion. A Hg/HgO reference electrode was used to monitor the reference versus each electrode potential during the discharge of a cycled cell. The results indicate that the negative electrode was responsible for the voltage plateau. Cell analysis revealed large crystals of cadmium hydroxide on the surface of the negative electrode and throughout the separator.

• Research Organization: Bowie State Coll., MD (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6127138
• Report Number(s): N-84-32534; NASA-CR-175258
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250902* -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Performance & Testing
CHEMISTRY
CRYSTAL GROWTH
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
ELECTRODES
ENERGY STORAGE
METAL-METAL OXIDE BATTERIES
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SERVICE LIFE
STORAGE
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
TESTING