Short circuit testing of a nickel-hydrogen cell for compliance with range safety requirements

Abstract

Short circuit testing was performed on a single stack, independent pressure vessel (IPV) aerospace nickel-hydrogen cell with axial terminals for compliance with range safety requirements. The cell contained two brazed ceramic seals, was 3 1/2 inches in diameter, and had a nameplate rating of 85.5 Ah. The majority of the energy was released in the first ten minutes with peak terminal temperature reaching 192 degrees Celsius. No breaching of the cell was evident and the cell returned to normal open circuit voltage within fifteen minutes of the load being removed.