Author_Institution :
Electron. Technol. & Devices Lab., Fort Monmouth, NJ, USA
Abstract :
A prototype magnesium/manganese dioxide battery, the BA-4590/U, was developed as a cost-effective training battery replacement for the lithium/sulfur dioxide BA-5590/U battery. Requirements mandate the magnesium battery to be identical in size form, and function to its lithium counterpart. Testing demonstrated the delivered capacity of the magnesium BA-4590/U to be highly dependent upon discharge conditions. Continuous 500 mA discharge at 4.4, 21.1, and 43.3°C delivered capacities of 2.0, 3.3, and 4.3 Ah, respectively. Under simulated intermittent use conditions the magnesium battery, due to anodic corrosion, lost approximately 1/3 of its available capacity during storage following partial usage. In addition, the effects of communication and electronics equipment drains were investigated. Overall, on the basis of projected cost per unit of delivered energy, the magnesium BA-4590/U battery has the potential for significant cost savings, particularly under low-power, tepid operating temperature conditions
Keywords :
electrochemical electrodes; electrochemistry; magnesium; manganese compounds; primary cells; testing; 21.1 degC; 4.4 degC; 43.3 degC; 500 mA; BA-4590/U; Mg-MnO2; anodic corrosion; capacity; cost; discharge; electrochemistry; intermittent use; operating temperature; primary cells; testing; training battery; Batteries; Corrosion; Costs; Electronic equipment; Lithium; Magnesium; Manganese; Prototypes; Temperature; Testing;
