LI-CL2 PRIMARY BATTERY INVESTIGATION

The higher energy and power density potentials of the Li-Cl2 couple were investigated to determine its applicability to advanced weapon requirements. Concentration polarization tests were completed with the Cl2 electrode at 116-in. and 18-in. thickness, pressure to 5 atm, and Cl2 purity levels to 99.9. Current densities up to 11 to 12 ampsq cm were demonstrated with polarizations of 0.4 v. Eleven high power density laboratory cells were tested at pressures up to 3 atm. Power densities above 27 wsq cm were obtained for periods exceeding 30 min with a peak power density of 43 wsq cm demonstrated. Analytical system studies were also completed to evaluate the effects of design and operational parameters on Li-Cl2 battery weight and volume characteristics. Battery energy densities up to 300 w-hrlb and 13.5 w-hrcu in. were obtained with power densities near 20 wsq cm found to be most satisfactory for short discharge greater than 30 min batteries. This program has shown that the polarization at the Cl2 electrode can be predicted and that the resulting performance is sufficient to permit the design and operation of Li-Cl2 cells with power densities above 25 wsq cm. The analytical studies provide comparative data to illustrate the potentials of the Li-Cl2 system and that 25 wsq cm will be adequate cell power density to attain such battery designs.