Recent developments in Dowty primary high rate Li/MnO2 batteries

It has been demonstrated that the primary lithium/manganese dioxide system is capable of discharge performance at least equivalent to that obtainable from liquid cathode systems such as lithium/sulfur dioxide. The rate limiting factors have been investigated and the manganese dioxide surface area identified as an essential feature in high rate capability. The rapid cell temperature rise resulting from very high rate discharge, however, demands a precisely controlled venting system to enable the cell to be used with safety under such conditions. It has been shown that the use of a high quality, precision stainless steel bursting disc provides a highly effective venting mechanism when incorporated in a stainless steel can/cap/glass-to-metal seal cell case assembly. The construction principles also facilitate a range of battery sizes from D to 1/2AA