Hardware development and application specifications for Li/CoO2 electrochemical cells

Considerable progress has been made in evaluating Li/Li_xCoO₂ electrochemical cells and determining the effects of various parameters. A year-long series of tests involving dozens of samples and hundreds of cycles is summarized. Test results are based on actual working hardware cells/batteries in the 1 to 5 Ah range. Differences between parallel, flat plate and spirally wrapped electrode configurations are considered, and a full spectrum of real world use and abuse conditions are discussed. With a solid basis of performance capabilities demonstrated, potential projections and technology comparisons can be made to conventional rechargeable battery systems. For moderate cycle life and low to moderate discharge rate applications, the Li/Li_xCoO₂ technology demonstrates at least 3-4 times the energy density capabilities and has far less stringent application requirements