Factors influencing lithium cell development for non-magnetic applications

The measurement of a cell's magnetic signature can be performed through the use of a fluxgate magnetometer. The location of the test site and the orientation of the magnetometer must be carefully selected to avoid source of magnetic interference. The choice of construction materials as well as cell chemistry will greatly influence the performance of a nonmagnetic lithium cell, particularly under high discharge rates. BCX and CFx cells in magnetic and nonmagnetic configurations were evaluated under a series of discharge loads. At current densities greater than 5 mA/cm/sup 3/ on the Li/BCX system, the difference in resistivity of the cathode current collector had a noticeable effect on power output. Both BCX configurations tested, along with a solid cathode nonmagnetic cell, performed similarly at discharge rates below 500 mA.<>