Development of a rechargeable lithium cell power source

The development of a rechargeable lithium cell power source as a replacement for silver-oxide-zinc cells in naval underwater vehicles is described. Progress made for the most promising lithium system, lithium-cobalt oxide, which has 2.5 times the theoretical energy density of silver-oxide-zinc, is summarized. Initial laboratory cell studies showed cobalt oxide can meet or exceed program goals. Recent work has scaled the fractional Ah capacity laboratory cells up to 1.1 and 2.5 Ah size. At this level also, many of the cells tested reached or surpassed required energy density and cycle-life requirements