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Single cell testing: a study of the pulse capability of thermal cells

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6432153· OSTI ID:6432153

Three thermal battery powders of different depolarizer--electrolyte--binder (DEB) ratios and methods of formulation were tested. The electrolyte was composed of KCl and LiCl, with CaCl/sub 2/ added to one of the three powders. The binder was commercially available sintered colloidal silica particles. The depolarizer was CaCrO/sub 4/. Single cells were constructed and tested in a specially designed test platen station. The D/E/B ratio of the powders tested were 37/56/7 and 35/55/10, with single- and two-step formulations. The cells were discharged at selected pressures and temperatures. Five cells from each of the three powders were discharged at constant current densities at 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 mA/cm/sup 2/. Peak voltage and activated life at 2 V cutoff were recorded for each test. Results indicate the DEB compositions may be evaluated successfully prior to thermal battery design by generating families of single-cell discharge curves at various temperatures and current densities. Performance predictability during load switching is feasible only when the DEB powder contains a relatively low percentage of binder. 19 figures, 5 tables.

Research Organization:
General Electric Co., St. Petersburg, FL (USA). Neutron Devices Dept.
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-04-0656
OSTI ID:
6432153
Report Number(s):
GEPP-TIS-406
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English