Experimental Optimization and Characterization of a LiAl/NaAlCl4/MoCl5 Pelletized Thermal Cell.

Abstract : A new molten salt thermally activated reserve battery utilizing immobilized liquid NaAlCl4 as the electrolyte is described. Lithium-aluminum alloys are employed as anodes with a cathode of MoCl5 in intimate contact with a powdered graphite current collector. The optimization of the battery with respect to anode, electrolyte and catholyte composition was investigated. Battery discharge behavior was characterized, defining optimum conditions of temperature and discharge rate to produce maximum energy output. The optimal cell configuration delivered 38 W-hr/lb at a discharge rate of 15 mA/square cm at 175 C. The first application of a derivative discharge function to thermal cell analysis characterizes the complex discharge mechanism. (Author)