Nickel-Hydrogen Life Cycle Testing : Review and Analysis

by Thaller, Lawrence H.; Zimmerman, Albert H.

• ISBN13: 9781884989131
• ISBN10: 1884989136
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-06-01
• Publisher: Amer Inst of Aeronautics &

Summary

The review and analysis reported here are the outcomes of a project carried out from 1998-2001 within the Energy Technology Department of the The Aerospace Corporation to examine the available results of different nickel-hydrogen life testing programs that had been or were being carried out for low Earth orbit (LEO) applications. The cycling programs, some of which are still in progress, were conducted under different sponsorships and carried out at different testing facilities.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Acknowledgments	xi
1 Overview of Nickel-Hydrogen Cell Technology	1	(12)
1.1 Relevant Chemical and Electrochemical Reactions	1	(1)
1.2 Major Cell Components	2	(4)
1.3 Cell Design Considerations	6	(2)
1.4 Stacking Arrangement	8	(2)
1.5 References	10	(3)
2 Review of LEO Cycling Data	13	(10)
2.1 LEO Cycling Data at 60% Depth of Discharge	13	(2)
2.2 Other LEO Cycling Data	15	(2)
2.3 Review of NASA Cycling in Support of the Space Station Program	17	(5)
2.4 References	22	(1)
3 Posttest Destructive Physical Analysis Studies	23	(32)
3.1 Plate Material Cycled to 40% DOD	23	(4)
3.2 Three Cells Cycled to 60% DOD	27	(4)
3.3 Unusual Form of Capacity Degradation on Cell Cycled to 65% DOD	31	(5)
3.4 Cell Cycled to 60% DOD at -5°C	36	(6)
3.5 Posttest Analysis of a Long-Life NASA Cell	42	(3)
3.6 Capacity Analyses on Cells Cycled to 40% DOD	45	(7)
3.7 References	52	(3)
4 Specialized Analytical Techniques Used in These Studies	55	(38)
4.1 Evaluating the Volume Tolerance of an IPV Cell	55	(3)
4.2 Determining Presence and Amount of Positive Precharge	58	(6)
4.3 Using Cell Pressure as a State-of-Charge Indicator	64	(6)
4.4 Evaluating Pressure Trends from Cycling Tests	70	(5)
4.5 Useful Features of Reconditioning	75	(5)
4.6 Expert System for Battery Performance Diagnostics	80	(5)
4.7 Estimating Plaque Corrosion from Pressure Increases	85	(5)
4.8 References	90	(3)
5 Topical Studies Addressed	93	(62)
5.1 Classification of Factors Resulting in Abbreviated Cycle Lives	93	(3)
5.2 Performance Degradation as Affected by Recharge Conditions	96	(5)
5.3 Influence of Charging Conditions on Plaque Corrosion	101	(5)
5.4 Electrode Damage in Cells Cycled at 60% DOD and -5°C	106	(3)
5.5 Review of Cycling Conditions That Encourage Long Cycle Life	109	(5)
5.6 Factors Affecting Plate Expansion	114	(3)
5.7 Temperature Effects on Plaque Corrosion	117	(6)
5.8 Increased Cycle Life Using 26% KOH as Electrolyte	123	(4)
5.9 Decreased Utilization of Active Material During Cycling	127	(3)
5.10 Capacity Maintenance During Cycling	130	(3)
5.11 Voltage Signatures of Several Different Degradation Mechanisms	133	(5)
5.12 The Importance of Initial Cycling Conditions	138	(5)
5.13 Randomness of Capacity Walkdown	143	(5)
5.14 Two Types of Capacity Walkdown	148	(5)
5.15 References	153	(2)
6 Summary of Findings	155	(26)
6.1 Capacity Loss Management	155	(10)
6.2 Maximizing the Usability of Nickel-Hydrogen Cells	165	(18)
6.3 Concluding Remarks	183	(1)
6.4 References	184
Glossary	181	(6)
Terms Related to the Structure of the Active Material	187	(1)
Terms Related to the Cell Capacity	188	(1)
Terms Related to Capacity	189	(1)
Miscellaneous Terms	189	(1)
Test-Related Terms	190	(3)
Index	193