Development of true prismatic lithium-ion cells for high rate and low temperature applications

Lithium-ion cells are presently being considered for use in a wide range of aerospace applications. Cells for these aerospace applications, such as F-16 and JSF aircraft, are required to operate at rates up to 15 C and at temperatures from −40 to 71°C. To address these requirements, a series of experiments has been undertaken to empirically determine those factors that limit performance. The first experiment compares three different electrode weight loadings and two different anode particle sizes. A chemistry identified from this experiment was able to increase room temperature rate capability by >500%. Pulse discharge rates as high as 70 C and continuous discharge rates of 20 C were demonstrated. Furthermore, cell performance of 1 C at −40°C and 4 C at −30°C has been demonstrated.