Nickel-Hydrogen Life Cycle Testing:
Review and Analysis
Lawrence Thaller and Albert Zimmerman
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Overview of Nickel-Hydrogen Cell Technology
1.1 Relevant Chemical and Electrochemical Reactions
1.2 Major Cell Components
1.3 Cell Design Considerations
1.4 Stacking Arrangement
1.5 References
2. Review of LEO Cycling Data
2.1 LEO Cycling Data at 60% Depth of Discharge
2.2 Other LEO Cycling Data
2.3 Review of NASA Cycling in Support of the Space Station Program
2.4 References
3. Posttest Destructive Physical Analysis Studies
3.1 Plate Material Cycled to 40% DOD
3.2 Three Cells Cycled to 60% DOD
3.3 Unusual Form of Capacity Degradation on Cell Cycled to 65% DOD
3.4 Cell Cycled to 60% DOD at –5°C
3.5 Posttest Analysis of a Long-Life NASA Cell
3.6 Capacity Analyses on Cells Cycled to 40% DOD
3.7 References
4. Specialized Analytical Techniques Used in These Studies
4.1 Evaluating the Volume Tolerance of an IPV Cell
4.2 Determining Presence and Amount of Positive Precharge
4.3 Using Cell Pressure as a State-of-Charge Indicator
4.4 Evaluating Pressure Trends from Cycling Tests
4.5 Useful Features of Reconditioning
4.6 Expert System for Battery Performance Diagnostics
4.7 Estimating Plaque Corrosion from Pressure Increases
4.8 References
5. Topical Studies Addressed
5.1 Classification of Factors Resulting in Abbreviated Cycle Lives
5.2 Performance Degradation as Affected by Recharge Conditions
5.3 Influence of Charging Conditions on Plaque Corrosion
5.4 Electrode Damage in Cells Cycled at 60% DOD and –5°C
5.5 Review of Cycling Conditions That Encourage Long Cycle Life
5.6 Factors Affecting Plate Expansion
5.7 Temperature Effects on Plaque Corrosion
5.8 Increased Cycle Life Using 26% KOH as Electrolyte
5.9 Decreased Utilization of Active Material During Cycling
5.10 Capacity Maintenance During Cycling
5.11 Voltage Signatures of Several Different Degradation Mechanisms
5.12 The Importance of Initial Cycling Conditions
5.13 Randomness of Capacity Walkdown
5.14 Two Types of Capacity Walkdown
5.15 References
6. Summary of Findings
6.1 Capacity Loss Management
6.2 Maximizing the Usability of Nickel-Hydrogen Cells
6.3 Concluding Remarks
6.4 References
7. Glossary
7.1 Terms Related to the Structure of the Active Material
7.2 Terms Related to the Cell Capacity
7.3 Terms Related to Capacity
7.4 Miscellaneous Terms
7.5 Test-Related Terms
7.6 Index
