Lithium/sulfur dioxide batteries applications

Lithium primary batteries with liquid cathodes are a relatively mature technology. Incremental improvements in capacity and performance may occur through design modifications and the use of new materials such as improved carbons in the passive cathode. The U.S. Army is adopting Lithium/Manganese Dioxide replacements for some of the Lithium/Sulfur Dioxide Batteries listed in Table 1 in certain applications. These replacements provide higher capacity and energy at room temperature but not at lower temperature. See the chapter on Lithium Primary Cells Solid Cathodes in this work. 

Primary Batteries for Military Applications, Table 1 Lithium sulfur dioxide batteries in military applications ... 

The lilhium-Uiiouyl chluridc, or die lithium-sulfur dioxide, system is often used in a reserve battery configuration in which the electrolyle is slored in a sealed compartment which upon activation may be forced by a piston or inertial forces into the interelectrode space. Most applications for such batteries arc in mines and fuse applications in military ordnance. 

Linden D, McDonald B (1980) The lithium—sulfur dioxide primary battery — its characteristics, performance and applications. J Power Sources 5 35, Elsevier Sequoia, Lausanne... 

The most prominent among active batteries for military applications are lithium sulfur dioxide... 

Lithium manganese dioxide batteries have become very prominent in recent years for military applications which are now widespread. Like sulfur dioxide batteries these are usually foimd in multicell packs often with dual voltage and cell sizes. The voltage of the system is similar to sulfur dioxide, so no major device changes are required. Typical batteries with their applications are given in Table 2 [1]. 

Lithium-sulfur-dioxide primary batteries are most ideal for military, aerospace, and satellite communications. These low-cost batteries are best suited for applications in which high pulse-power capability and a wide operating temperature range (from -55 to +70 C) are the basic performance requirements. 

The lithium/sulfur dioxide (Li/S02) battery is the most advanced of these lithium primary batteries. These batteries are typically manufactured in cylindrical configurations in capacities up to about 35 Ah. They are noted for their high specific power (about the highest of the lithium primary batteries, high energy density, and good low-temperature performance. They are used in military and specialized industrial, space and commercial applications where these performance characteristics are required. 

D. Linden and B. McDonald, The Lithium-Sulfur Dioxide Primary Battery—Its Characteristics, Performance and Applications, J. Power Sources 5 35 (1980), Elsevier Sequoia, Lausanne, Switzerland. 

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