Rechargeable lithium batteries in the Navy-policy and protocol

Rechargeable lithium batteries are an emerging technology that is finding widespread use in a myriad of applications. These batteries are supplanting many others because of superior performance characteristics, including high energy density and improved cycle life. The newest model laptop computers, camcorders and cellular phones are using these systems to provide lighter products with longer battery life. Potential military-use scenarios for this technology range from propulsion power for autonomous unmanned vehicles to power sources for exercise mines. Current battery chemistries that might eventually be replaced by rechargeable lithium batteries include silver-zinc batteries, lithium-thionyl chloride batteries, and possibly lithium thermal batteries. The Navy is developing and implementing a universal test protocol for evaluating the safety characteristics of rechargeable lithium power sources, as discussed by Winchester et al. (1995). Test plans based on this protocol are currently being used to evaluate both commercially available and developmental products. In this paper, the authors review the testing protocol that has been developed for evaluating the safety of rechargeable lithium batteries. Relevant data from current test programs are presented