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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 271 records · Page 15

Lithium-sulfur dioxide batteries on Mars rovers

NASA's 2003 Mars Exploration Rover (MER) missions, Spirit and Opportunity, have been performing exciting surface exploration studies for the past six months. These two robotic missions were aimed at examining the presence of water and, thus, any evidence of life, and at understanding the geological conditions of Mars, These rovers have been successfully assisted by primary lithium-sulfur dioxide batteries during the critical entry, descent, and landing (EDL) maneuvers. These batteries were located on the petals of the lander, which, unlike in the Mars Pathfinder mission, was designed only to carry the rover. The selection of the lithium-sulfur dioxide battery system for this application was based on its high specific energy and high rate discharge capability, combined with low heat evolution, as dictated by this application. Lithium-sulfur dioxide batteries exhibit voltage delay, which tends to increase at low discharge temperatures, especially after extended storage at warm temperatures, In the absence of a depassivation circuit, as provided on earlier missions, e.g., Galileo, we were required to depassivate the lander primary batteries in a unique manner. The batteries were brought onto a shunt-regulated bus set at pre-selected discharge voltages, thus affecting depassivation during constant discharge voltages. Several ground tests were preformed, on cells, cell strings and battery assembly with five parallel strings, to identify optimum shunt voltages and durations of depassivation. We also examined the repassivation of lithium anodes, subsequent to depassivation. In this paper, we will describe these studies, in detail, as well as the depassivation of the lander flight batteries on both Spirit and Opportunity rover prior to the EDL sequence and their performance during landing on Mars.

Lithium-SO2 batteries↗

High-Quality TiS2 For Li/TiS2 Cells

Modified process for synthesis of battery-grade titanium sulfide (TiS2) yields substantially improved material for Li/TiS2 electrochemical cells. Includes all-vapor-phase reaction between sulfur and titanium. Product less dense and more homogeneous, consists of smaller particles of higher crystalline quality, and purer. Cells have high cathode utilization and long cycle life performance. Expected to find applications in rechargeable lithium batteries for spacecraft, military equipment, telecommunication systems, automobiles, and consumer products.

Huang, Chen-Kuo↗

Applications and safety data

A general overview of activities involving lithium batteries, which shows the various applications and data that were performed for numerous industry and government sponsors is presented. Brief discussions on electrochemical criteria selection, and typical storage and performance data obtained from three systems being developed are presented. Current safety work being done on high-rate, D, SO2 cells is also discussed. Three chemistries were developed and are discussed: lithium vanadium pentoxide, lithium sulfur dioxide, and lithium thionyl chloride. Storage, performance and safety data are graphically presented.

Berlangieri, N. J.↗

NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Program: Generic Safety, Handling and Qualification Guidelines for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries; Availability of Source Materials for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries; Maintaining Technical Communications Related to Aerospace Batteries (NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop)

This NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Systems Working Group was chartered within the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC). The Battery Working Group was tasked to complete tasks and to propose proactive work to address battery related, agency-wide issues on an annual basis. In its first year of operation, this proactive program addressed various aspects of the validation and verification of aerospace battery systems for NASA missions. Studies were performed, issues were discussed and in many cases, test programs were executed to generate recommendations and guidelines to reduce risk associated with various aspects of implementing battery technology in the aerospace industry. This document contains Part 1 - Volume I: Generic Safety, Handling and Qualification Guidelines for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries, Availability of Source Materials for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries, and Maintaining Technical Communications Related to Aerospace Batteries (NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop).

Manzo, Michelle A.↗

Polyphase alloys as rechargeable electrodes in advanced battery systems

The rechargeability of electrochemical cells is often limited by negative electrode problems. These may include loss of capacity, increased impedance, macroscopic shape change, dendrite growth, or a tendency for filamentary or whisker growth. In principle, these problems can be reduced or eliminated by the use of alloys that undergo either displacement or insertion reactions at reactant species activities less than unity, rather than pure elements. The fundamental reasons for some of these problems with elemental electrodes, as well as the basic principles involved in the different behavior of alloys, are briefly discussed. More information is now available concerning the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of a number of alloys of potential interest for use as electrodes in elevated temperature lithium battery systems. Recent results have extended these results down to ambient temperatures, indicating that some such materials may be of interest for use with new low temperature molten salt electrolytes, or with organic solvent electrolytes. The all solid mixed conductor matrix concept is also reviewed.

Huggins, Robert A.↗

International Space Station Lithium-Ion Main Battery Thermal Runaway Propagation Test

In 2010, the ISS Program began the development of Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries to replace the aging Ni-H2 batteries on the primary Electric Power System (EPS). After the Boeing 787 Li-Ion battery fires, the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Power Technical Discipline Team was tasked by ISS to investigate the possibility of Thermal Runaway Propagation (TRP) in all Li-Ion batteries used on the ISS. As part of that investigation, NESC funded a TRP test of an ISS EPS non-flight Li-Ion battery. The test was performed at NASA White Sands Test Facility in October 2016. This paper will discuss the work leading up to the test, the design of the test article, and the test results.

International Space Statio↗

Sol-gel Technology and Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials

Advanced materials play an important role in the development of electrochemical energy devices such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrochemical capacitors. The sol-gel process is a versatile solution for use in the fabrication of ceramic materials with tailored stoichiometry, microstructure, and properties. This processing technique is particularly useful in producing porous materials with high surface area and low density, two of the most desirable characteristics for electrode materials. In addition,the porous surface of gels can be modified chemically to create tailored surface properties, and inorganic/organic micro-composites can be prepared for improved material performance device fabrication. Applications of several sol-gel derived electrode materials in different energy storage devices are illustrated in this paper. V2O5 gels are shown to be a promising cathode material for solid state lithium batteries. Carbon aerogels, amorphous RuO2 gels and sol-gel derived hafnium compounds have been studied as electrode materials for high energy density and high power density electrochemical capacitors.

Chung-tse Chu↗

[Fall 2015 Abstract by Stephanie Scharf]

This Fall I worked on two different projects that culminated into a redesign of the spacesuit LLB (long life battery). I also did some work on the PLSS (personal life support system) battery with EC. My first project was redlining the work instruction for completing DPAs (destructive physical analysis) on battery cells in the Branch. The purpose of this document is to create a standard process and ensure that the data is collected in the same way, no matter who carries out the analysis. I observed three DPAs, conducted one with help, and conducted two on my own, all while taking notes on the procedure. These notes were used to write the final work instruction, which will become the Branch standard. My second project continued the work of the Summer co-op before me. I tested aluminum heat sinks for their ability to provide good thermal conduction and structural support during a thermal runaway event. The heat sinks had been designed by the previous Summer co-op, but there was not much time for testing before he left. We thus ran tests with a heater on the bottom of a trigger cell to try to drive thermal runaway and ensure that it will not propagate to adjacent cells. We also ran heat-to-vent tests in an oven to see if the assembly provided structural support and prevented sidewall rupture during thermal runaway. These tests were carried out at ESTA (Energy Systems Test Area) and are providing very promising results, indicating that safe, high performing (>180 Wh/kg) designs are possible. My main project was a redesign of the LLB (Lightweight Lithium Battery). Another summer intern had done some testing and concluded that there was no simple fix to mitigate thermal runaway propagation hazards in the existing design. The only option was a clean sheet redesign of the battery. I was given a volume and ideal energy density, and the rest of the design was up to me. First, I created new heat sink banks in CREO, using the information gathered in the metal heat sink tests from the summer intern. After this, I made capture plates to hold the cells in place, and I worked on nickel bussings for the electrical connections between the cells. Finally, I designed the test box enclosure that included sections for flame arresting materials. The battery brick design, which is the heart of the battery, promises to become the first for a manned spacecraft application to achieve > 180 Wh/kg. My work in redlining the DPA work instructions will also be used in selecting the cells for the battery. We had a few options for cells that would provide the necessary power output and needed to make a choice. We repeatedly charged and discharged cells for around a month until they went through 100 lifecycles. The plan was to compare the DPA results on fresh and cycled cells from each manufacturer to see if cycling introduces any differences. After the complete LLB design was approved, the parts were ordered and testing should begin the first week of December. Cutting open a cell for DPA After photo from oven heat-to-vent test

Scharf, Stephanie↗

US Navy lithium cell applications

Applications of lithium systems that are already in the fleet are discussed. The approach that the Navy is taking in the control of the introduction of lithium batteries into the fleet is also discussed.

Bowers, F. M.↗

Evaluation of high-energy lithium thionyl chloride primary cells

An advanced commercial primary lithium cell (LiSoCl2) was evaluated in order to establish baseline data for improved lithium batteries for aerospace applications. The cell tested had nominal capacity of 6 Ah. Maximum energy density at low rates (less than C/30, where C is the cell capacity in amp-hrs and 30 corresponds to a 30 hr discharge time) was found to be near 300 Wh/kg. An equation which predicts the operating voltage of these cells as a function of current and state of charge is presented. Heat generation rates of these cells were determined as a function of current in a calorimeter. It was found that heat rates could be theoretically predicted with some degree of accuracy at currents less than 1 amp or the C/6 rate. No explosions were observed in the cells during the condition of overdischarge or reversal nor during high rate discharge. It was found, however, that the cells can vent when overdischarge currents are greater than C/30 and when discharge rates are greater than 1.5C.

Frank, H. A.↗

Navy position on lithium safety

The Navy's position on safety of lithium batteries is discussed. Testing includes: short circuit with all fuses bypassed; forced discharge at the fuse value; and a modified incineration test.

Bis, F.↗

Aerospace safety advisory panel

Data acquired on the actual flight experience with the various subsystems are assessed. These subsystems include: flight control and performance, structural integrity, orbiter landing gear, lithium batteries, EVA and prebreathing, and main engines. Improvements for routine operations are recommended. Policy issues for operations and flight safety for aircraft operations are discussed.

Source record↗

The design analysis of a rechargeable lithium cell for space applications

Ambient temperature rechargeable lithium batteries are needed by NASA for advanced space power applications for future missions. Specific energies of not less than 100 Wh/kg and long cycle life are critical performance goals. A design analysis of a 35 Ah Li-TiS2 cell was carried out using literature and experimental data to identify key design parameters governing specific energy. It is found that high specific energies are achievable in prismatic cells, especially with the use of advanced hardware materials. There is a serious need for a greatly expanded engineering database in order to enable more quantitative design analysis.

Subba Rao, S.↗

Graphite Fluoride Fiber Composites For Heat Sinking

Graphite fluoride fiber/polymer composite materials consist of graphite fluoride fibers in epoxy, polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyimide resin. Combines high electrical resistivity with high thermal conductivity and solves heat-transfer problems of many electrical systems. Commercially available in powder form, for use as dry lubricant or cathode material in lithium batteries. Produced by direct fluorination of graphite powder at temperature of 400 to 650 degree C. Applications include printed-circuit boards for high-density power electronics, insulators for magnetic-field cores like those found in alternators and transformers, substrates for thin-film resistors, and electrical-protection layers in aircraft de-icers.

Hung, Ching-Cheh↗

A simple low-cost array on the lunar near-side for the early lunar expeditions

A concept of a simple, low-cost array on the lunar near-side is discussed. The concept includes 19 stations laid in a T, with three arms each 36 km long, and separated by 6 km. Each station consists of two 10-m-long orthogonal dipoles, each feeding a receiver of a commercial pocket digital shortwave radio type, and a 3-m spring-loaded mast with a small UHF array at the top for receiving the timing signals and tuning commmands and for sending out the digitized data streams. Each station has 0.25 square meters of solar arrays and 20 kg of lithium batteries. At the array center there is either a digital correlator for processing the signals from each antenna pair to compact the data into a 32-kb/sec channel or a 10-cm telescope for sending back raw data to earth.

Kuiper, T. B. H.↗

NASA Center update: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The topics covered are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: flight project support activities for TOPEX and the Mars Observer; and research/development and engineering activities for NiCd model development, secondary lithium battery development, the sodium-NiCl2 moderate temperature battery, Li-SOCl2 batteries for the Centaur launch vehicle, and direct hydrocarbon/methanol fuel cells.

Distefano, Sal↗

Photocured Gelled Electrolytes For Secondary Li Cells

Class of photocured polymers exhibiting lithium-ion conductivities greater than those of well-studied polymers based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) show promise as polymeric electrolytes in rechargeable lithium cells. Increase in conductivity occasioned by use of electrolytes, coupled with amenability of electrolytes to formation into uniform thin (less than 25 micrometers thick), wide films, expected to result in cells with power densities greater than 100 W h/kg and charge/discharge rates exceeding currents equal, in amperes, to ampere-hour ratings. All-solid-state lithium batteries containing these electrolytes used as high-power, high-rate rechargeable power sources in commercial and aerospace applications.

Nagasubramanian, Ganesan↗