DEVELOPMENT OF NI-H2 CELLS OF INDIVIDUAL PRESSURE-VESSEL TYPE FOR SPACECRAFT APPLICATIONS .1. EFFECT OF LIOH ADDITION TO ELECTROLYTE ON CELL PERFORMANCES

Test samples of 35Ah (nominal capacities) Ni-H-2 cells of individual p ressure vessel type were fabricated and their electric peformances for spacecraft applications were evaluated. Charge/discharge cycle life t ests at 80% depth-of-discharge were performed under the conditions sim ulated of low-earth-orbit spacecraft missions, and of geosynchronous-o rbit spacecraft missions. Increase in end of charge pressure with cycl ing was observed on all cells. LiOH addition to the electrolyte was at tempted and improvements in cell performances were obtained. such as t he increase rate of end of charge pressure with the cycling is diminis hed and the charge acceptability at low rate charge around room temper ature is enhanced.