Validating cell/battery safety

Using the accelerating rate calorimeter, the hazards associated with exothermic reactions occurring in Li/SO2 cells under the conditions of discharge, forced overdischarge, resistive overdischarge, and forced overdischarge at low tempratures are quantitatively defined in terms of: rate of pressure generation, overall pressure rise, rate of temperature, and overall heat generation. Consistent with the findings of other investigators, it is believed that the major reactions contributing to Li/SO2 cell exothermicity are: the lithium/acetonitrile reaction, the thermal decomposition of lithium dithionite, and the lithium/sulfur reaction.