VES140 S Li-ion cell GEO life test results

/RESUME Saft has developed and qualified the Li-Ion cell design VES140 O and S (O: Opposite side terminals; S: Same side terminal). The qualification review has been held in January 2000 for the O version and February 2001 for the S version. The VES140 cell technology derived from the cell developed for the Electric Vehicle Program.. This cell is based on the common electrochemistry generation (Nickel based ternary oxide) that is manufactured in Bordeaux plant on a industrial line which allows more than 15 000 cells per year. This leads to a very reproducible process from cell to cell. The qualification program included: - BOL qualification with electrical, thermal mechanical and abuse tests - Calendar test plan. - GEO Life tests - LEO Life tests. The VES140 cell has already demonstrated the ability to sustain 15 years GEO and 10 years LEO mission. This cell will be launched on board Stentor satellite second semester 2001 Saft is making an up-date on the GEO life test results performed onto this cell design. Today, more than 50 seasons (25 years) have been done. Less than 6 % fading has been achieved showing large margin for 15 years GEO mission.