Li/SOCl sub 2 battery technology: Problems and solutions. Final technical report, Oct 90-Sep 91

Technical Report · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:6963923

Mosier-Boss, P A; Szpak, S J

This report illustrates the advantages of using a rational transition process when developing an electrochemical power source designed to operate at its limits by summarizing the approach and results based on such a transition philosophy. The thionyl chloride electrolyte system has a complex composition that determines the elementary reactions that occur on discharge. Electroreduction rarely involves free thionyl chloride; rather, adducts with AlCl{sub 3} and Li undergo electroreduction, preferentially. Modeling the Li/SOCl{sub 2} system has contributed significantly to an understanding of battery operation of providing the basis for both the design and understanding of electrode thickness and porosity, catalytic effects, thermal management, and intercell currents. Modeling also guided the development of quality control (QC) procedures and considerations. Li/SOCl{sub 2} technology has come a long way since the initial recognition of its value as a battery chemistry. Much of this progress has resulted from efforts to pursue a logical progression of transitions through the R and D cycle. These efforts have elucidated the chemistry of the system, the best design features of cells and modules, the assembly of these cells or modules, and the resultant characteristics of these assemblies. The Li/SOCl{sub 2} is used only as an example. Other battery technology developments could benefit from such an approach.

• Research Organization: Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center, San Diego, CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 6963923
• Report Number(s): AD-A-254514/3/XAB; NRAD-TR--1484
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250901* -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Design & Development
ALKALI METALS
ALUMINIUM CHLORIDES
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
CATALYSTS
CHEMISTRY
CHLORIDES
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
CONTROL
DIMENSIONS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
ELECTRODES
ELECTROLYTES
ELEMENTS
ENGINEERING
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
LITHIUM
LITHIUM-SULFUR BATTERIES
MANAGEMENT
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
METAL-NONMETAL BATTERIES
METALS
OPERATION
POROSITY
POWER
QUALITY CONTROL
SULFUR CHLORIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THICKNESS