Performance and safety of Li-ion cells [in aerospace applications]

Summary form only given, as follows. Lithium ion batteries have started replacing conventional aerospace batteries, such as nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen and silver-zinc, in NASA's planetary exploration missions, especially in applications where the cycle and active (wet) lives are moderate but the demands for reductions In mass and volume are significant. In addition, these applications require good low temperature performance for the planetary landers and rovers. In this context, NASA had teamed with DoD to form a consortium to develop smart, high-capacity, long-life, aerospace lithium ion batteries for both NASA and DoD needs, with the participation of domestic battery manufacturers. Prototypes of lithium ion cells, in capacities ranging from 4-40 Ah and in either prismatic or cylindrical configuration were made wider this program and are being tested at JPL. In this paper, the authors provide a description of the typical performance characteristics of these prototype lithium ion cells. Also included in the presentation is a brief mention on a couple of safety events experienced at JPL in the course of such extensive evaluation of several (over 200) cells under a variety of test conditions.