SBIR-STTR Award

Rechargeable lithium systems to be of broad military use must operate to -40 deg c yet still retain good ambient temperature cycle life. Low temperature cell performance is affected by the separator porosity, electrolyte concentration, and anodic films. This investigation explores the impact of each factor on ambient temperature cycle life and low temperature discharge performance using the rechargeable lithium/copper (ii) chloride/sulfur dioxide system in a spiral cell design as a test vehicle.

A Phase II Program to develop a high energy density rechargeable lithium "D" size cell based on the lithium copper-chloride couple is proposed. Further study of the interaction between the electrolytes capable of low temperature discharge and the Altus separator is directed toward increasing cell safety and verifying the importance of electrolyte management in these systems. Attention is given to defining the chemistry and electrochemistry of the cell such that a high capacity positive electrode can be combined with a negative electrode of minimum lithium content. Using the unique properties of this cell an electronic circuit board with the ability to detect shorted cells in battery pack will be demonstrated.